Will Harvard University Ban International Students Under Trump Administration?

The US government has revoked Harvard University’s ability to give admission to international students. The controversial decision announced on May 22, 2025 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has resulted in a global uproar, jeopardising the future of both foreign students and the future of international education who want to study in US. The announcement has put approximately 6,800 international students at the risk of losing their legal status in the US, and also raised concerns about academic freedom, amid tighter immigration policies. Read the article to know more about the latest developments regarding the decision, key facts, and what this decision means to international students.

This Story also Contains

1. Why Is Harvard University Banned from Enrolling International Students?
2. Has Harvard Responded to the Decision?
3. What are the Consequences for International Students?
4. What does this mean for International students applying in 2025-26?
5. Will Harvard Ban International Students Permanently?

Read more: Trump bars Harvard University from enrolling foreign students

Why Is Harvard University Banned from Enrolling International Students?

“Universities must put American values and national interests first. Harvard has repeatedly ignored federal compliance standards”, says the DHS. Under the second-term administration of President Donald Trump, the US Department of Homeland Security has decided to revoke the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification as per the following cited reasons:

• National security: The administration alleged Harvard to have connections with foreign governments, including the Chinese Communist Party.

• Student record refusal: As per the DHS, the university also refused to share information regarding the student disciplinary actions.

• Campus safety: The US government cited that Harvard had protests over the Israel-Palestine conflict, making the campus environment unsafe for several student groups.

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6 Conditions For Reinstating the SEVP Certification

Kristi Noem, the DHS secretary stated that it is possible for Harvard to regain its SEVP certification for the upcoming academic year, if the university meets the following six conditions and submits the requested information within the next 72 hours.

1. The university must hand over all records related to “illegal activity” on or off campus related by any of the international students studying in the university for the last five years.

2. They also need to submit all the records concerning “dangerous or violent activity” by international students, both on or off campus for the last five years.

3. It is mandatory for the university to submit every record associated with the “threats made by international students” towards any other student or university staff.

4. Any details related to incidents in which international students have caused harm or deprived others of their rights, on or off campus.

5. The complete disciplinary record of each international student who has been studying at the university for the last five years.

6. It is also mandatory for the university to submit protest evidence involving international students on the campus of Harvard in the last five years.

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Has Harvard Responded to the Decision?

Amidst the Harvard university international students news, the university has filed lawsuits against the administration of Trump. They have also called the decision “politically motivated and unlawful”. They have promised to:

• Support affected students with legal and academic aid.

• Partner with other U.S. universities for transfer accommodations.

• Challenge the loss of federal research funding.

What are the Consequences for International Students?

The Trump administration bars Harvard university from enrolling foreign students, which means the SEVP has been decertified. Following are some of the immediate consequences of this decision for foreign students.

• International students cannot be issued new F-1 students visas under the name of Harvard University.

• Current international students must transfer to another university or leave the US.

• Harvard’s legal challenge has temporarily blocked immediate deportation orders for enrolled international students.

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What does this mean for International students applying in 2025-26?

There is widespread uncertainty and fear among international students who are planning to study in US in 2025-26. Earlier getting admission in Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in the US was a dream come true, and now the decision by the Trump administration has made it a nightmare!

International students are advised to:

1. Monitor court proceedings and stay updated on the SEVP reinstatement

2. Keep options open for other SEVP-certified alternatives or think about deferring admission.

3. Explore emergency transfer options at peer institutions.

4. Seek counsel through university-sponsored or nonprofit legal aid.

Will Harvard Ban International Students Permanently?

As of now, the decision of banning international students is not a voluntary decision made by Harvard University. The federal government has ordered this action. International students dream to be a part of this Ivy league university. However, with the ongoing legal battles, everyone is skeptical about the permanent ban on international student enrolment in the future. For now, international applicants should consider alternative institutions or defer enrollment until clarity is achieved.

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