Harvard pushes back after Trump order barring international students

Harvard University has condemned a Trump administration directive that bars it from enrolling international students, terming the move “unlawful.”

In a statement dated Friday, May 23, the university vowed to support the impacted students and reaffirmed its commitment to its global academic community.

“The government’s action is 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. We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community,” the statement read.

The university further warned that the directive could inflict serious harm on the institution and the country.

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”

The administration’s action followed a Thursday announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The revocation prevents Harvard from enrolling new international students and requires current students to transfer or risk losing their legal immigration status.

In a statement seen by The Standard, DHS accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe campus environment and tolerating “pro-terrorist conduct.”

“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 alleged.

The decision marks an escalation in tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration, which began after the university declined to implement certain federal directives aimed at curbing on-campus protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Last month, the DHS terminated $2.7 million (Sh349 million) in federal research grants to Harvard. In response, the university filed a lawsuit against the administration on April 21.

According to DHS, Harvard also refused to provide information about international students allegedly involved in criminal or disciplinary matters.

“Harvard University brazenly refused to provide the required information and ignored a follow-up request from the Department’s Office of General Counsel,” the statement said.

Harvard has pledged to challenge the revocation and defend the rights and academic freedoms of its international students and scholars.