Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students

The United States government on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s certification to enrol international students. This means that the institution “must transfer or lose their legal status”, stated the Department of Homeland Security.

In a press release, the department claimed that the university was “being held accountable” for allegedly collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party, “fostering violence, antisemitism and pro-terrorist conduct” from students on the campus.

According to data shared by the university, 6,793 international students were enrolled at Harvard during the 2024-’25 academic year, making up about 27.2% of the student population.

The Donald Trump administration’s move to halt international enrollments is expected to significantly impact Harvard’s finances, according to The New York Times.

For the 2025-’26 academic year, tuition fees are set at $59,320, approximately Rs 60 lakh, with total expenses, including housing, reaching nearly $87,000, approximately Rs 74.79 lakh. International students often contribute a higher portion of these costs than domestic students.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L Noem stated in the press release that it “is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments”.

“Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing,” said Noem. “It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere...

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