Harvard University is often considered the dream university of millions of students across the globe. However, these dreams are now shattered as the university has been banned from admitting international students by the US government. The Department of Homeland Security announced the decision on Thursday. Harvard University already has over 6,800 international students admitted into various programs. These 6,800 international students are plunged into immediate uncertainty after the announcement was made. If you are someone who wants to know what you’ll have to do to stay in the US and complete your graduation, the following article is for you.
Why Did The Government Ban Harvard University From Admitting International Students ?
According to what Kristi Noem said in the letter to the university, Harvard University failed to comply with the federal demands for records related to international students. She mentioned that the university was perpetuating an unsafe campus environment. Noem mentioned that the environment on the campus is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies. This decision was announced shortly after the government froze research funds worth over $2.6 billion over the same issue. President Trump has also revoked Harvard University’s tax-exempt status.
What Do International Students Already Admitted Into Harvard University Have To Do?
International students who are already in various programs at Harvard University will have to transfer to another SEVP-certified university as soon as possible. If they fail to do so, the students might end up losing their legal status to stay in the United States of America.
The revocation of Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification is going to take effect from the 2025–26 academic year. International students who graduate this semester will not face any troubles. However, others must seek transfer to other SEVP-certified universities.
Kristi Noem stated that it will not revoke the SEVP status of Harvard if the university submits disciplinary records, protest-related footage, and documents detailing any unlawful activity by students over the past five years within the next 72 hours.
What Happens If The Government Revokes The SEVP Certification Of Harvard University?
According to the immigration rules of the United States of America, the government controls who enters the country. The Department of Homeland Security issues SEVP certification for colleges that allows them to provide necessary documentation for international students to obtain a student visa. DHS’s latest announcement revealed it is going to revoke this certification from Harvard University. With the SEVP status, Harvard University will fail to support the student visa applications. Usually, the government revokes the SEVP status of any university when it loses accreditation or closes. However, losing the status based on ideological and campus climate concerns is happening for the first time.
How Did Harvard University React To The Announcement From DHS?
According to the reports, Harvard University called the action of the government unlawful as well as disruptive to its academic mission. The spokesperson from the university mentioned it is working rapidly to provide guidance and assistance to its members. It seems like Harvard University is preparing for a long-term legal battle while thousands of international students are left worried for their futures. This decision from the government definitely marks a new era in how US immigration policies might end up intersecting with campus governance and academic freedom.
