Harvard Given 30 Days To Rebut Ban On Visa Program; Foreign Students Consider Leaving University Amid Trump's Threats: Report

The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to respond to a formal notice that threatens the university’s ability to enrol international students. The notice, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, indicates plans to withdraw Harvard’s certification under the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows US colleges to sponsor foreign students for study.

According to a Reuters report, the move signals a potential reconsideration of the initial plan to revoke certification immediately. The warning came just ahead of a federal court hearing that will decide whether to extend a temporary block on a previous revocation attempt.

On Thursday, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons sent a detailed letter outlining the administration’s allegations. These include claims that Harvard coordinated with foreign entities and failed to adequately address rising antisemitism on campus. The government asserts that these issues are grounds for removing Harvard from the SEVP program.

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This development is the latest escalation in tensions between the Trump White House and Harvard. In April, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem demanded a broad range of student records from the university, including disciplinary actions and reports of potentially dangerous activity, citing concerns over campus safety and antisemitism.

Harvard University Response And Fallout

Harvard says it complied with the request, but on May 22, DHS deemed the response inadequate and moved to revoke the university's SEVP certification. That order took immediate effect, barring Harvard from enrolling international students for the upcoming academic year.

Harvard officials said in a statement, reported by Axios, that “too many international students to count” have inquired about transferring to other universities. Some are reportedly afraid to attend graduation ceremonies due to fears of immigration enforcement.

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Ripple Effect On Campus

The uncertainty has also affected domestic students. According to a report by Axios, at least three US-based students have expressed interest in transferring because they are reluctant to attend a university that cannot host a global student body. Administrators say both domestic and international students are experiencing “significant emotional distress,” with some cancelling travel plans to avoid immigration complications.