The Trump administration’s revocation of Harvard’s right to enrol international students has left nearly 6,800 foreign students—including 788 Indians—scrambling for clarity. Here’s what you need to know.
May 23, 2025 | What Has Happened?
In a dramatic escalation, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enrol international students, citing non-compliance with federal investigations and national security concerns. The move will directly affect nearly 6,800 foreign students, including 788 students from India.
Also Read: Trump Bans Harvard From Enrolling Foreign Students: University Calls it “Unlawful”
What Triggered This Action?
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Harvard failed to comply with federal demands to hand over disciplinary, protest-related, and behavioral records of international students. The government accused Harvard of:
- Creating an “unsafe” environment allegedly hostile to Jewish students,
- Promoting pro-Hamas rhetoric,
- Persisting with DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policies seen as discriminatory by the administration.
Who Will Be Affected?
- Current Students: Those graduating this semester will be allowed to finish their courses and graduate.
- Returning Students: Those continuing in the 2025–2026 academic year must transfer to another SEVP-certified institution or risk losing legal visa status.
- New Admits for Fall 2025: Will not be allowed to enrol unless the decision is reversed or a court intervenes.
What About Indian Students?
Harvard typically hosts 500–800 Indian students per year. As of now:
- 788 Indian students are enrolled at Harvard.
- Many are pursuing STEM and graduate programs, and now face uncertainty over their immigration status, academic continuity, and funding.
What Can Students Do Now?
- Transfer to Other SEVP-certified Institutions: This may not be easy mid-course, and depends on credit acceptance and program availability.
- Wait for Legal Relief: Harvard is expected to challenge the decision in court, but the process could take weeks or months.
- Reach Out to Advisors: Harvard has said it is working on guidance for affected students.
Trump’s Six Demands to Harvard (Within 72 Hours):
- All records of international students involved in misconduct.
- Audio/video of protests with foreign student participation.
- Complete disciplinary history of international students.
- Internal communications on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
- Evidence of any threats made by foreign students.
- Detailed compliance plan on campus safety and DEI reforms.
Harvard has refused to comply, citing student privacy and academic freedom.
Background: Harvard vs Trump
This standoff follows Harvard’s refusal to:
- Limit pro-Palestinian protests,
- Dismantle its DEI framework, and
- Share student data with DHS.
Federal grant funding (including NIH research grants) has already been frozen, and Trump has suggested stripping Harvard of its tax-exempt status.
Legal & Political Implications
- Legal experts say the administration does have control over SEVP certification, but revoking it based on protest participation or DEI compliance may face constitutional challenges.
- Lawsuits are expected in federal courts in the coming days.
- Meanwhile, several Ivy League peers have extended solidarity with Harvard, calling the decision politically motivated.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
Until the matter is resolved:
- Harvard cannot enrol new international students.
- 788 Indian students and thousands globally face potential academic and immigration disruptions.
- A court ruling—or policy reversal—is the only way to reopen the doors for affected students.
Tags:
Harvard visa ban, Trump Harvard clash, Indian students at Harvard, US student visa, SEVP, DHS Harvard investigation, Trump 2025 policies, international education crisis