Trump administration threatens Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students
The move follows Harvard’s refusal to share visa records amid campus protests
© Reuters
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The Trump administration has warned that Harvard University could lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it fails to comply with demands to provide information on certain visa holders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued the ultimatum in a letter to the university, citing what she called “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students and demanding records by April 30.
Noem also announced the termination of two Department of Homeland Security grants worth more than US$2.7 million.
The threat marks the latest in a series of escalations by the Trump administration against Harvard and other universities over campus protests in support of Palestine. President Donald Trump has accused the demonstrators of antisemitism and claimed they pose a foreign policy threat, linking them to support for Hamas.
A Harvard spokesperson said the university would comply with the law but reaffirmed its earlier stance that it would not “surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” Human rights groups have condemned the administration’s actions, warning that they pose serious risks to free speech and academic freedom.
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