Harvard University could be forced to stop accepting international students, in the latest phase of its fight with the Trump administration.
6,800 Harvard students are from overseas — more than a quarter of the student body.
Earlier this year, the Government sought to be able to reject the applications of international students deemed “hostile to American values”.
The move triggered legal action and an escalating conflict between Harvard and Trump.
Background
Harvard is one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Its alumni and faculty have earned more than 160 Nobel Prizes, most recently in 2024.
In 2024, the Government supplied 68% of Harvard’s outside research funding.
Over the past few months, the Trump administration has launched investigations into several universities, including Harvard, over claims of antisemitism, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring and admissions practices.
Part of the government’s initial round of requests included forcing Harvard to hire independent auditors to ensure its departments have diverse viewpoints, and are not antisemitic.
Harvard responded saying it was a government overreach, blocking the institution’s right to free speech.
In response, the White House froze $US2.2 billion ($AU3.4 billion) in funding.
Harvard has since filed a lawsuit to stop the funding freeze.
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International students
Last month, the Trump administration submitted a list of requests for Harvard.
This included providing the government “information regarding each student visa holder’s known illegal activity, and whether the activity occurred on campus.”
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees American visa processes, has now vowed to strip Harvard of a certification allowing it to enrol international students.
In a letter to Harvard posted on social media, department Secretary Kristi Noem said its certification was “revoked”.
It urged the college to comply with a new set of requests within 72 hours, including handing over “audio and video footage” of “any protest activity involving a nonimmigrant student on a Harvard University campus in the last five years.”
Noem added: “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.“
Response
A Harvard University spokesperson told U.S. media the move was “unlawful”.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably”.
“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.“
