US Threatens Harvard’s Foreign Student Enrollment

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has declared that Harvard University risks losing its authorization to enroll international students if it fails to comply with demands to disclose details regarding certain visa holders. This action signifies a heightened confrontation between the government and the academic institution.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Wednesday the revocation of two DHS grants to Harvard, valued at over $2.7 million.

Noem stated that she had sent a letter to Harvard, requesting records pertaining to what she described as the “illegal and violent activities” of foreign students with visas, with a deadline of April 30.

“Should Harvard fail to demonstrate full compliance with reporting mandates, its entitlement to admit foreign students will be rescinded,” Noem asserted in her public statement.

A Harvard representative acknowledged the university’s awareness of Noem’s communication “regarding grant cancellations and foreign student visa scrutiny.”

The spokesperson reiterated the university’s earlier position of refusing to “surrender its autonomy or waive its constitutional protections,” while affirming its commitment to adhering to legal requirements.

The current administration has previously cautioned universities about potential federal funding reductions in response to pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations.

Authorities are actively working to deport some international protesters and have invalidated hundreds of visas nationwide.

“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard has the means to finance its own disruptions; the DHS will not,” Noem commented, also suggesting the presence of an “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” at Harvard.

Harvard has previously asserted its dedication to combating antisemitism and other forms of prejudice on its campus, while upholding academic liberties and the right to protest.

Last month, the administration announced a review of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard and later advocated for the implementation of restrictions—such as a mask prohibition and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—as prerequisites for continued federal funding.

On Monday, Harvard rejected several demands that it claimed would entail surrendering control to the government. Subsequently, the administration announced a freeze on $2.3 billion in funding.

The President also suggested on Tuesday the possibility of revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status. Sources indicated that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is formulating plans to withdraw Harvard’s tax-exempt status, with a definitive decision anticipated shortly.

Harvard maintains that there is no legitimate rationale for revoking its tax-exempt status, characterizing such an action as unprecedented, detrimental to student financial aid, and likely to force the termination of essential medical research programs.

Advocates for human rights have voiced concerns regarding free speech and academic freedom in light of the government’s actions.

The administration has also suspended or terminated funding for universities including Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, and Northwestern.

It has also threatened to withhold funding over issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and transgender policies.