Harvard’s Student Visa Program Suspended by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to terminate Harvard University’s student visa program. This follows accusations of the school’s alleged “proterrorist actions” during campus protests.

Reports indicate that the DHS views Harvard’s refusal to maintain accurate records of student visa holders, combined with its inadequate response to anti-Semitic incidents on campus, as significant concerns.

DHS Secretary Christy Noem remarked, “This administration cannot accept Harvard’s promotion of violence and anti-Semitism, as well as its alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party on campus. It’s not a right to profit from higher tuition fees while failing to support international students and contributing to broader societal issues. Harvard was given numerous chances to rectify this situation, yet they declined.”

As a consequence, Harvard may not enroll foreign students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Current international students will need to transfer or risk losing their legal status in the U.S. before the new school year starts.

“The blanket refusal to comply with multiple requests from DHS has created a hazardous environment for Jewish students, fostering rhetoric supporting Hamas and upholding a problematic “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policy,” officials stated.

Noem also indicated that Harvard was given 72 hours to submit the necessary information to potentially restore its visa program for the upcoming grade. She emphasized the serious implications of Harvard’s failure to adhere to basic reporting requirements.

This requested information includes video evidence of campus protests featuring visa-holding students, as well as disciplinary records from the last five years.

Last month, Noem highlighted that initial requests for records concerning visa-holding students were met with inadequate responses from Harvard’s legal team. Further requests were similarly met with insufficient information.

Noem added, “The consequences must resonate, serving as a message to all universities wishing to enjoy the benefits of hosting foreign students that they must actively combat anti-Semitism and other societal evils on campus.”

The DHS is also looking for documentation related to illegal or harmful activities by student visa holders, plus records of threats or violations against other students or university staff.

Despite the looming threat of losing its ability to host foreign students, Harvard stated last month that new international students could secure admissions at both Harvard and other institutions as a safety measure.

Typically, students are required to confirm their admission to Harvard by May 1, which normally precludes commitments to other universities.

Due to ongoing protests, research permissions for at least 12 Harvard students have already been revoked.