The Trump administration has escalated its standoff with Harvard University, threatening to strip the institution of its ability to enroll foreign students unless it complies with federal demands for information related to certain visa holders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused foreign students of engaging in “illegal and violent activities,” prompting the federal government to demand detailed records. The deadline for Harvard’s response is set for April 30.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that if Harvard cannot demonstrate full compliance with federal reporting requirements, it will lose its privilege to host international students. In addition, the government has revoked two federal grants totaling more than $2.7 million. Secretary Noem criticized the university’s large $53.2 billion endowment, suggesting it should be used to address the consequences of its alleged non-compliance.
This move comes amid a broader federal crackdown on campus protests supporting Palestine and criticizing U.S. policy toward Israel. Following the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza, college campuses have become centers of political protest. The administration has labeled some of these protests as “anti-American” and “pro-Hamas,” drawing particular attention to the role of international students.
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Harvard responded by reaffirming its commitment to both legal obligations and constitutional protections, asserting that it will not yield to political pressure or compromise its independence. The university confirmed receipt of the DHS letter and is reviewing the demands related to student visas and federal funding.
The administration’s action is part of a broader push against elite universities. Similar steps have been taken against institutions like Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, Brown, and Northwestern. These include canceling or freezing funding and revoking student visas. The White House has also linked continued federal support to the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and implementation of other cultural restrictions.
In a further escalation, the government has frozen $2.3 billion in federal funds earmarked for Harvard and is reviewing nearly $9 billion in additional grants and contracts. President Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a controversial move currently under review by the IRS. Legal experts warn that such a step could set a dangerous precedent and significantly affect Harvard’s financial aid and research capabilities.
Despite increasing federal pressure, Harvard maintains it will uphold academic freedom, support peaceful protest, and continue efforts to combat all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism. Civil liberties and human rights organizations have raised serious concerns about the administration’s approach, citing threats to free speech and a rise in Islamophobic sentiment.
As the April 30 deadline approaches, the confrontation between Harvard and the federal government underscores a growing divide over the limits of institutional autonomy, civil rights, and political expression in American higher education.
