Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Foreign Student Certification Over Antisemitism and CCP Ties

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the immediate revocation of Harvard University’s certification to host international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Noem cited Harvard’s alleged noncompliance with DHS reporting requirements and fostering of an antisemitic, unsafe environment.
• All F-1 and J-1 visa students must transfer to other institutions to maintain legal status for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• The action was triggered after Harvard failed to submit adequate records despite multiple requests from DHS.
• Noem warned other universities that they too could face similar penalties if they violate federal expectations and collaborate with hostile foreign entities.

In a bold escalation of federal oversight on elite academic institutions, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem officially revoked Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, effectively banning the institution from enrolling international students on F-1 and J-1 visas for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The announcement was made publicly on X and accompanied by a formal letter addressed to Harvard’s international office. Noem’s remarks accused the Ivy League institution of “coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party,” failing to comply with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting demands, and creating a campus climate hostile to Jewish students.

Noem’s letter, dated May 22, 2025, alleges that Harvard refused to supply “pertinent information” about nonimmigrant students accused of misconduct or illegal activity, and that prior submissions were “insufficient.” A follow-up attempt by DHS General Counsel to secure compliance also failed, prompting the decertification.

The letter emphasizes that foreign students must now transfer out of Harvard or risk falling out of legal immigration status. It also demands the delivery of comprehensive records—ranging from disciplinary histories to protest footage—within 72 hours if Harvard wishes to regain its SEVP status.

Notably, Noem included strong language criticizing what she called “racist diversity, equity, and inclusion policies” and pro-Hamas sentiment on campus. The decertification was framed as part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign to combat “anti-Americanism and antisemitism” across higher education.

On social media, Noem reinforced her stance, stating via X:

“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.”

The full official letter from DHS to Harvard is embedded below:

The letter demands:

• Records of illegal, violent, or threatening activity by nonimmigrant students (last 5 years)
• All disciplinary actions involving F-1 and J-1 students
• All protest-related audio/video footage involving international students
• Any documentation of rights violations against students or personnel by nonimmigrant students

The Secretary concluded by warning that submission of false or misleading information could trigger criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, further reinforcing the legal gravity of the matter.