Harvard University has been dealt a significant blow by the federal government, which has revoked its ability to admit foreign students.
This action comes as the Ivy League institution continues to resist President Donald Trump's widely supported and constitutionally mandated policy to eliminate racial favoritism in government-funded schools.
According to Breitbart, the Trump administration is holding Harvard accountable for its alleged role in promoting violence, antisemitism, and its purported collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated, "This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus."
She further emphasized, "It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country."
This decertification implies that existing foreign students on F- or J- nonimmigrant status must transfer to another university to maintain their non-immigrant status, as stated by Noem in her letter to the university. This measure is also designed to put an end to Harvard's policy of racial favoritism in the selection of American students. If sustained, this policy could potentially free up an additional 1,000 slots for American students each year.
Foreign students wishing to remain in the United States require F-1 visas and enrollment in the "Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) program. This enrollment also grants them access to "Optional Practical Training" work permits for up to three years, which many foreign students use to secure employment at major U.S. companies, often through ethnic hiring networks.
Approximately one-quarter of Harvard's student body comprises foreigners, who are invited to attend due to the international influence they bring to the university and its high-status students. While these foreign students pay higher out-of-state tuition fees, the financial aspect is of little consequence given the university's estimated $50 billion in assets.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated, "On April 16, 2025, Secretary Noem demanded Harvard provide information about the criminality and misconduct of foreign students on its campus. Secretary Noem warned refusal to comply with this lawful order would result in SEVP termination." This action follows the DHS's termination of $2.7 million in grants for Harvard last month.
Harvard University's refusal to provide the requested information and its disregard for a follow-up request from the Department's Office of General Council led to this action. Secretary Noem is committed to protecting students and preventing terrorist sympathizers from benefiting from U.S. government resources.
The DHS letter also highlighted concerns about the university's policies of tolerating violence and discrimination and its cooperation with the Chinese government. It detailed instances of pervasive race discrimination and anti-Semitic harassment on campus, including physical assault and intimidation of Jewish students, with little response from Harvard's leadership.
The letter also expressed concerns about crime, discrimination, and collaboration with China's government. It revealed a 55% increase in crime rates at Harvard from 2022 to 2023, including a 295% increase in aggravated assaults and a 560% increase in robberies. It also pointed out Harvard's race-conscious hiring policies, which could potentially violate civil rights law.
The letter further revealed that Harvard received $151 million from foreign governments since January 2020, accounting for more than 13% of the total $1.1 billion received from foreign donors over the same period. It also accused Harvard of hosting and training members of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a CCP paramilitary group implicated in the Uyghur genocide, even after its 2020 designation on the U.S. Treasurys Specially Designated Nationals List.
The DHS letter concluded by accusing Harvard of partnering with individuals linked to China's defense-industrial base, including conducting robotics research with military applications. This situation underscores the need for universities to uphold the law and prioritize the safety and well-being of their students over international influence and financial gain.
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