Will Trump administration's ban on foreign student admissions at Harvard University force over 700 Indians to return | Top facts

In an unprecedented move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States revoked Harvard University's ability to enrol foreign students on Thursday, accusing the administration of the prestigious University of fostering violence and "coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus".

In a letter to the University, Kristi Noem, Secretary of DHS said Harvard University's student and exchange visitor programme is being revoked with immediate effect. The University is banned from enrolling students for 2025-2026 academic year and existing students "must transfer to another University to maintain their non-immigrant status."

The Trump administration's move comes after the University refused to provide details of foreign students studying at the campus. Noem said the certification would be restored within 72 hours if the University provided DHS with all information, including electronic footage, regarding illegal activities of non-immigrant students on the campus. In April, DHS cancelled grants worth $2.7 million to the University citing non-compliance with reporting requirements of foreign students.

Why did DHS ban Harvard University from enrolling foreign students?

"Harvard’s leadership has created an unsafe campus environment by permitting anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators to harass and physically assault individuals, including many Jewish students, and otherwise obstruct its once-venerable learning environment," DHS said in a statement.

Noem said enrollment of foreign students is a privilege and not a right. "Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country," she said.

How will Trump administration's move affect Harvard University?

The University enrolls close to 6,800 international students every year and they make up a quarter of their student community. Over 700 Indian students are currently studying at Harvard. The top US University will not be able to enrol foreign students for the upcoming academic year if the University fails to comply with the requirements of DHS within 72 hours.

Has Harvard University responded to the ban?

Harvard called the action unlawful and said it's working to provide guidance to students. "This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard's academic and research mission," the university said in a statement.

Will the ban affect students currently studying at Harvard University?

Yes. As per DHS's order, existing foreign students must transfer to another University or they will lose their legal status. However, students who completed their degrees this semester will be allowed to graduate.

Why is the Trump administration targeting Harvard University?

Various federal agencies, including DHS and the National Institutes of Health, have cut their grant funding to Harvard after the University administration refused to comply with the US federal government's demand to limit pro-Palestinian protests. Harvard has sued the administration, seeking to end the grant freeze. 

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