Harvard University has strongly opposed the Trump administration’s move to withdraw its capacity to admit international students, describing it as “unlawful” and vengeful. The Ivy League university cautioned that this retaliatory action is a serious threat not just to its population but also to the nation’s academic and research supremacy.
Harvard’s Commitment to International Students
With over 6,000 international students studying at Harvard during the 2024-2025 academic year, or 27.3% of students, Harvard highlighted the important role these students play in enriching the university. “We are completely committed to preserving Harvard’s capacity to welcome international students and scholars, who come from over 140 nations and enrich the University – and this country – immeasurably,” noted Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton. He further stated that the university is moving quickly to advise and assist its international student body during the uncertainty.
Foreign students are a major contributor to Harvard’s income, and usually, they pay closer to the full amount of their education than American students. The fees and other expenses from these students form a significant source of revenue for the institution. Eliminating this crucial segment will not only damage Harvard economically but will also destroy the international interaction and diversity that drive research and innovation.
The Administration’s Retaliatory Measures
The Trump administration’s crackdown on elite universities accelerated soon after the start of the president’s second term. Harvard was a prime target last month when the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal funds amid charges of promoting antisemitism and illicit collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party. Harvard rejected the administration’s terms to unfreeze funds.
Most recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), essentially blocking the university from accepting new foreign students. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused.”
This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.
It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments… pic.twitter.com/12hJWd1J86
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025
Six Conditions to Resume Enrollment
To regain the right to accept international students, the Trump administration requires Harvard to fulfill six stringent conditions. They include providing all electronic, audio, or video evidence about illegal, harmful, or violent behaviors by non-immigrant students in the last five years. The university is also required to present documentation about threats, violations of rights, disciplinary action, and protest activities by non-immigrant students on campus during the past five years.
These requirements raise fundamental questions about academic freedom, privacy, and the autonomy of the university. Harvard remains in noncompliance, highlighting its dedication to abiding by the law in defending the rights of its community.
A Critical Moment for US Higher Education
This controversy demonstrates the growing politicization of U.S. higher education, particularly the international student population. Harvard’s experience warns the rest of academia about such pressures. Excluding international students negates the international spirit of research and cooperation so essential to innovation and advancement.
Additionally, the administration’s strategy threatens to ruin America’s image as a welcoming nation for global talent. Harvard and other institutions are not merely educational institutions; they are international centers of cross-cultural exchange and innovation that help everyone.
In conclusion, Harvard’s defiance of the Trump administration’s actions highlights the protection of academic freedom, diversity, and the continued acceptance of international students, enriching American campuses and society.
