Key Takeaways
• On May 23, 2025, Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, blocking new international students for 2025-2026.
• About 6,800 international students at Harvard were affected, with Chinese students comprising roughly 20% of them.
• A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on May 24, pausing the policy for two weeks.
On May 23, 2025, the Trump administration took the rare step of revoking Harvard University’s certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This decision, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, meant that Harvard could no longer enroll international students under the F and J visa categories for the 2025-2026 academic year. The move sent shockwaves through the campus and the global academic community, especially among Chinese students, who make up a significant portion of Harvard’s international student body.
Just one day later, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, pausing the administration’s policy for two weeks. This provided short-term relief but left thousands of students and their families in a state of anxiety and confusion about their future in the United States 🇺🇸.
Why Did the Administration Target Harvard University?
The Trump administration claimed that Harvard University failed to comply with a broad records request from the Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Noem accused the university of:
- Allowing an “unsafe campus environment” where anti-American and pro-terrorist agitators could harass others
- Coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party
- Allegedly hosting and training members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024
Secretary Noem made it clear that this action was meant to “serve as a warning” to other universities. On social media, she stated, “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused.”
The administration’s decision would have forced current international students to either transfer to other schools or lose their legal immigration status. It also blocked the university from enrolling any new students with F or J nonimmigrant status, which are the main visa categories for international students and scholars.
Immediate Impact on International Students
The effects of the SEVP revocation were immediate and far-reaching. About 6,800 international students at Harvard were affected, representing roughly 27% of the university’s total enrollment. Chinese nationals made up the largest group, accounting for about one-fifth of Harvard’s international students in 2024.
For many students, the news brought panic and uncertainty:
- Chinese students canceled flights home and sought legal advice, worried about their visa status and the risk of being caught in ICE raids.
- Students with summer research assistant positions, which depended on their visa status, faced the possibility of losing their jobs.
- Incoming students were left unsure whether to defer enrollment or try to transfer to another university.
- Some students were told by friends to avoid staying in their current accommodations out of fear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might conduct raids.
A 24-year-old Chinese PhD student in physics described the situation: “I think the Chinese community definitely feels like a more targeted entity compared to other groups.” Another student, Zhang Kaiqi, a master’s student in public health, had to urgently cancel his flight back to China, which led to the loss of his internship at a U.S. NGO in China.
Harvard University’s Legal Response
Harvard University responded quickly, filing a lawsuit in federal court in Boston on May 23, 2025. The university argued that the government’s action was:
- Unlawful and unconstitutional retaliation for not following the White House’s political demands
- A violation of the First Amendment, which protects free speech
- Having an “immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders”
In its lawsuit, Harvard stated, “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission.” The university stressed its commitment to supporting international students and scholars.
Harvard President Alan Garber said that while the university had made changes to its governance, including steps to address antisemitism, it would not compromise on its core, legally protected principles out of fear of retaliation.
Temporary Relief: The Court Steps In
On May 24, 2025, a U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order, freezing the Trump administration’s policy for two weeks. This court order stopped the immediate loss of nonimmigrant status for affected students and gave Harvard and its students some breathing room.
However, the restraining order is only a short-term fix. The legal battle between Harvard and the administration is likely to continue, and the long-term outcome remains uncertain.
The Broader Context: Tensions and Political Pressure
This action against Harvard University is part of a larger pattern of pressure from the Trump administration on higher education institutions. The background includes:
- An earlier request on April 16, 2025, from Secretary Noem, demanding Harvard provide information about foreign students who might be involved in violence or protests that could lead to deportation
- The rescinding of more than $2.65 billion in federal funding from Harvard in April 2025
- Suggestions from President Trump about revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status
- An ongoing Education Department investigation into the university’s foreign funding
- A previous lawsuit from Harvard challenging the federal funding cuts
The administration also demanded that Harvard change many of its policies and leadership, including:
- Auditing the student body and faculty for “viewpoint diversity”
- Eliminating “diversity, equity and inclusion” guidelines in hiring and admissions
Secretary Noem stated that Harvard could regain its ability to host foreign students if it provided a large set of records on foreign students within 72 hours, including “all records, including audio or video footage, of foreign students participating in protests or dangerous activity on campus.”
International Reaction: China’s Response
China’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the U.S. action, saying it would “only damage the image and international credibility of the United States.” The ministry promised to “firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests” of Chinese students overseas.
The number of Chinese international students in the United States 🇺🇸 has already been declining, dropping from about 370,000 in 2019 to around 277,000 in 2024. This decline reflects worsening U.S.-China relations and increased scrutiny of Chinese nationals, especially those studying in sensitive academic fields.
Campus Mood: Fear, Solidarity, and Uncertainty
The atmosphere on Harvard’s campus has been tense and emotional. Both international and domestic students have expressed concern and support for each other.
- PhD student Alid Akef from Egypt worried about his family’s future: “I have a wife who is on a J2 visa. I am expecting a baby. So it is overwhelming, but at the end of the day, I trust that Harvard will take care of us.”
- Akef noticed that domestic students seemed more angry and vocal, while international students felt “defeated in some sense.”
- Freshman Angelina Li, who lives with international students, saw their distress firsthand: “I see them call their parents, I see them call their siblings. Sometimes they’re crying, sometimes their parents are really worried too.”
- Senior Pierce Cousins said that friends of his cried when they heard the news: “I was trying to calm them down, but I was scared myself.”
Practical Advice for Students: What Should You Do?
Immigration attorney Vanessa Rodriguez has urged students to carefully check all their options:
- See if you can transfer your legal status to another college
- Double-check what other immigration options might be available to you
- Stay in close contact with your school’s international student office for updates and support
Harvard University has said it is “working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community.” Teachers at the Harvard Kennedy School reportedly emailed Chinese students, saying the school was “actively working hard on a response within the next 72 hours and aims to negotiate with the government.”
If you are an international student affected by these events, it’s important to:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from your university and trusted news sources
- Consult with an immigration attorney: They can help you understand your rights and options
- Keep your documents up to date: Make sure your visa, passport, and any other paperwork are current
- Reach out for support: Many schools have counseling and legal services for international students
For more information about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program and your rights as an international student, you can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP page.
What Happens Next? The Road Ahead
With the temporary restraining order in place, the immediate crisis has been paused, but the situation is far from resolved. Both Harvard University and the Trump administration are preparing for a legal fight that could have lasting effects on international education in the United States 🇺🇸.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how the government interacts with universities and international students in the future. It also highlights the growing tension between academic freedom, national security, and political pressure.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Harvard case is being closely watched by other universities, international students, and policymakers around the world. Many are concerned that similar actions could be taken against other institutions, creating more uncertainty for students and scholars who contribute to the academic and cultural life of the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
For International Students:
- The situation is changing quickly. Stay in touch with your university and legal advisors.
- If you are at Harvard University or another school facing similar issues, know your rights and keep your documents in order.
- Consider backup plans, such as transferring to another institution or exploring other visa options.
For Universities:
- The case underscores the importance of compliance with federal regulations and the need for clear communication with students.
- Universities should be prepared to provide legal and emotional support to affected students.
For Employers and Research Institutions:
- Students with summer jobs or research positions tied to their visa status may face disruptions. Employers should stay informed and be ready to support affected staff.
For Families:
- The uncertainty can be stressful for families abroad. Encourage open communication and seek support from university resources.
Conclusion: A Moment of Uncertainty and Hope
The Harvard University SEVP crisis has exposed the vulnerability of international students in the United States 🇺🇸 and the complex relationship between universities and the federal government. While the temporary restraining order has given students and the university some time, the long-term outcome remains unclear.
Students, families, and universities must stay alert, informed, and ready to respond as the situation develops. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of international education and the need for fair, transparent policies that support students from around the world.
For official updates and resources on student visas and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, visit the U.S. Department of State’s student visa page.
By staying informed and working together, students and universities can face these challenges and continue to build bridges across borders, even in uncertain times.
Learn Today
SEVP → Student and Exchange Visitor Program that certifies schools to enroll international students with F and J visas.
F and J visas → Nonimmigrant visas allowing international students (F) and exchange visitors (J) to study or participate in exchange programs.
Temporary restraining order → A short-term court order that temporarily halts enforcement of a government action or policy.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; agency responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations.
First Amendment → Part of the U.S. Constitution protecting freedom of speech, religion, and protest.
This Article in a Nutshell
Harvard’s SEVP certification revocation triggered widespread panic among international students, especially Chinese. Legal action and a federal court’s restraining order temporarily paused the policy, but uncertainty continues. The case highlights tensions between national security and academic freedom affecting thousands of visa-holding scholars at a top university.
— By VisaVerge.com
