Fox News Digital has decided to terminate Harvard’s student visa program, citing “proterrorist actions” linked to protests on campus.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims this decision stems from Harvard’s unwillingness to provide records related to the conduct of student visa holders.
As a result, Harvard will not be able to register any new international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Current foreign students must either transfer or risk losing their legal residency in the United States before the new academic term starts.
In a policy statement, it was noted that Harvard’s “intense denial” has led to non-compliance with numerous requests and is perpetuating a hostile environment for Jewish students while pursuing questionable diversity and inclusion practices. They also mentioned the lack of information provided by Harvard from DHS.
The state has given Harvard 72 hours to submit the requested information to potentially restore the visa program for the next academic year.
According to a statement, this action is a direct result of Harvard’s sustained failure to meet basic reporting requirements.
The records requested include footage of protests involving visa-holding students and disciplinary records over the past five years.
Last month, officials sought information pertaining to visa-holding students, but reportedly, Harvard’s legal team did not fulfill the request adequately.
After further requests from DHS’s legal counsel, Harvard’s response was described as “inadequate and unacceptable.”
Officials emphasized the need to address issues at Harvard as a way to send a clear message to other universities about adhering to the law and combating anti-Semitism on campuses.
The information sought also includes any documentation or footage related to illegal activities or threats made by student visa holders.
Harvard has yet to comment on the situation.
Last month, the university announced it would permit foreign students to pursue admissions to both Harvard and other institutions as a backup option, amid fears of administrative actions against them. Usually, students must confirm their acceptance to Harvard by May 1st, without the ability to consider other options.
Around a dozen Harvard students have had their admission privileges revoked due to campus protests.
Federal funding for universities has been significantly impacted, with nearly $3 billion already frozen, particularly targeting research initiatives.
Lawmakers are asserting that Harvard has failed to adequately address anti-Semitism on campus and has not removed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies considered problematic.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Congress this week, mentioning that the State Department has rescinded thousands of student visas, expressing a readiness to take further action.
“We are here as guests and must act to cancel the visas of those disrupting our educational institutions,” he stated. “Visas are a privilege, not a right.”
This crackdown on university policies has gained momentum following widespread protests that erupted in response to the Israeli government’s actions against Hamas since the conflict began.
