The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard University's certification to host international students on Thursday, citing noncompliance with federal laws. The decision, announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, prohibits Harvard from enrolling new foreign students and requires current international students to transfer institutions or risk losing legal immigration status.
"Enrolling international students is a privilege – not a right – and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard's repeated failure to comply," Noem stated, signaling potential expansion of similar measures to other universities.
Harvard condemned the move as "unlawful and harmful," emphasizing its 140-country international community's contributions to academia and research. The university pledged to challenge the decision, calling it "retaliatory" and damaging to U.S. academic leadership.
The policy shift raises urgent questions for thousands of students and universities amid tightening U.S. immigration policies. Analysts warn of ripple effects across global academia and research collaborations, particularly in STEM fields where international scholars play pivotal roles.
