Cambridge, MA — In a move aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s certification to admit international students. The decision, announced Thursday, prevents the enrollment of foreign students for the
upcoming academic year after Harvard failed to meet federal requirements to overhaul its international student program and disclose extensive data on its foreign student population within a strict three-day deadline.
The policy shift significantly impacts Harvard’s student body, which includes 6,793 international students—roughly 27% of its total enrollment for 2024-2025. While Harvard has long welcomed foreign students, critics argue that elite institutions should be held accountable for their admissions policies and transparency regarding international enrollment.
University spokesperson Jason Newton condemned the move as punitive, arguing that it threatens Harvard’s ability to maintain its academic and research objectives. However, proponents of stricter oversight see the DHS action as a necessary step toward ensuring that universities operate within federal guidelines and prioritize national interests over unchecked global expansion.
With thousands of international students now facing uncertainty over their legal status, many may be forced to seek alternative institutions or leave the country. The revocation comes amid broader federal scrutiny of elite universities, which some conservatives have accused of prioritizing globalism over adherence to U.S. policies.
Harvard has not yet indicated whether it plans to challenge the DHS decision but has pledged to assist affected students as they navigate the transition.
