The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has threatened to revoke Harvard University’s authority to enroll international students unless it provides records related to alleged “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students.
The ultimatum, delivered in a letter obtained by The Harvard Crimson, sets an April 30 deadline for compliance or face immediate removal from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The move would strip Harvard of the ability to issue I-20 forms — a requirement for international students to apply for U.S. student visas. According to the university, international students currently account for 27.2% of its total enrollment, with 6,793 students affected.
In a press release, DHS said the demand for records stems from growing concerns over campus safety and reports of hostile environments for Jewish students.
The letter reportedly cites protests related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and accuses Harvard of failing to maintain a safe, inclusive learning atmosphere.
“It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee,” the letter states, while demanding information on foreign students’ involvement in protests, threats to peers or staff, disciplinary action, or obstruction of academic activities.
The federal crackdown comes alongside other punitive actions against Harvard, including the cancellation of $2.7 million in federal grants and the threat of revoking the university’s tax-exempt status.
The White House has also frozen over $2 billion in long-term research funding, citing Harvard’s refusal to enact controversial policy changes, including eliminating DEI programs, banning face coverings at protests, and implementing merit-based hiring and admissions.
In a statement, Harvard said it was aware of the DHS letter but emphasized its commitment to the law and constitutional rights.
“We will not surrender our independence or relinquish our constitutional rights,” the university said. “We expect the Administration to follow established legal procedures and act based on clear evidence.”
The case is part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration targeting elite institutions seen as out of step with federal priorities.
Officials have already revoked visas at several universities, citing both national security and disciplinary concerns — a move critics warn could politicize higher education and deter global academic talent.
