Washington, D.C., May 22, 2025 – In a move that has sparked widespread controversy in academic and diplomatic circles, U.S. President Donald Trump has officially revoked Harvard University’s right to admit international students, declaring it a “privilege, not a right.” The decision comes amid accusations that Harvard promotes anti-American and anti-Semitic ideologies.
According to a report by Reuters, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, Harvard will no longer be allowed to enroll international students. Foreign nationals currently studying at the Ivy League institution must transfer to other accredited universities or risk losing their legal immigration status.
A New Front in Trump’s War on Liberal Academia
The move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s long-standing tensions with elite universities, particularly Harvard, which the former president has repeatedly criticized for what he sees as left-leaning bias. In a letter to the university’s administration, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of fostering a hostile academic environment, particularly toward Jewish students, and of encouraging sympathies toward Hamas.
She also denounced Harvard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as discriminatory, stating that the university’s policies “no longer reflect American values of fairness and transparency.” Noem emphasized that the administration’s actions send a “clear warning” to higher education institutions nationwide.
Furthermore, the DHS has withdrawn Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a designation required for hosting international students. The university has been given a 72-hour deadline to submit documentation—including videos and audio recordings—of any protests involving international students over the past five years if it hopes to regain its SEVP status.
White House Defends Move, Harvard Pushes Back
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson doubled down on the administration’s position, stating: “The admission of international students is a privilege granted to institutions that align with American values. Harvard has demonstrated a pattern of behavior that suggests the opposite.”
Harvard University swiftly condemned the decision, calling it “retaliatory and unlawful.” In a statement, university officials said:
“This punitive action threatens the very fabric of our academic community. It not only harms Harvard but also undermines the United States’ long-standing leadership in global education and innovation.”
Harvard underscored its continued commitment to educating international students and vowed to explore all legal avenues to challenge the decision.
Impact on Global Education
The ban could have far-reaching consequences. For the academic year 2024–2025, Harvard enrolled approximately 6,800 international students—27% of its total student body. The largest contingent came from China (1,016 students), followed by Canada, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.
The decision has drawn criticism from educational leaders, foreign governments, and international organizations who see it as part of a broader trend of isolationism and politicization of education under the Trump administration.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes will be on whether other top universities will be targeted next—and how Harvard will respond to what it describes as an unprecedented attack on academic freedom.
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider