The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University's authority to enroll international students, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between federal authorities and academic institutions. The decision, announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, immediately blocks new international enrollments and requires current foreign students to transfer or risk losing legal status.
Secretary Noem framed the move as a compliance enforcement measure: 'Enrolling international students is a privilege – not a right – and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard's repeated failure to comply with federal law.' The announcement follows April's $2.2 billion federal grant freeze targeting Harvard's diversity programs and international student evaluations.
Harvard condemned the decision as 'unlawful and harmful,' emphasizing that over 27% of its student body – representing 140 countries – now faces uncertainty. University officials warned of damage to academic research and America's global educational standing.
This development carries implications for Asia's academic communities, particularly given Harvard's substantial enrollment of students from China, India, South Korea, and other Asian nations. Business leaders and researchers are monitoring potential ripple effects on U.S.-Asia educational partnerships.
