Key Takeaways
• Trump accused Harvard of enrolling 31% international students and claimed foreign countries pay nothing.
• Harvard’s SEVP certification was revoked; university sued to keep enrolling international students.
• International students pay full tuition and contribute $1.4 billion, 21% of Harvard’s revenue.
On May 25, 2025, President Trump sharply criticized Harvard University for its large international student population, claiming that foreign countries pay “nothing” toward the education of their citizens at the school. This statement came amid a growing conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard over the rights and status of international students. The dispute has quickly become a major issue, raising questions about the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸, the role of universities, and the government’s power over student visas.
Trump’s Claims and the Immediate Fallout
President Trump’s comments, posted on Truth Social, accused Harvard University of enrolling a high percentage of international students—“almost 31%,” he claimed—and said that many of these students come from countries “not at all friendly to the United States 🇺🇸.” He argued that these countries “pay NOTHING toward their student’s education, nor do they ever intend to.” Trump also questioned the transparency of Harvard’s admissions, demanding to know “who those foreign students are” and their countries of origin.
He further pointed to Harvard’s large endowment, stating, “Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!” These remarks came just days after the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, notified Harvard that its certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) had been revoked. This action would have blocked Harvard from enrolling international students with F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant visas for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Harvard responded immediately, filing a legal complaint in Boston federal court and securing a temporary restraining order from a judge. This order allows the university to continue enrolling international students while the case is ongoing. A hearing is scheduled for May 29, 2025, to decide whether the restraining order should be extended.
What Is the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a system run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It manages schools and programs that enroll international students and exchange visitors. To accept international students, a school must be certified by SEVP. Students usually come to the United States 🇺🇸 on F-1 (for academic students) or J-1 (for exchange visitors) visas. If a school loses its SEVP certification, it cannot legally enroll new international students or allow current ones to continue their studies.
For more information about SEVP and student visas, readers can visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP page.
The Numbers: International Students at Harvard
According to the latest data, Harvard University had 6,793 international students enrolled during the 2024-2025 academic year. These students made up 27.3% of the total student body and came from more than 140 countries. Contrary to President Trump’s claims, international students at Harvard typically pay closer to the full cost of their education than students from the United States 🇺🇸. Many receive less financial aid, and their tuition, room, and board payments are a significant source of income for the university.
In fiscal year 2024, student-related income (including tuition, room, and board, minus financial aid) was about $1.4 billion, making up 21% of Harvard’s total operating revenue. This shows that international students are not only a large part of the campus community but also play a key role in the university’s finances.
The Trump Administration’s Actions and Demands
The Trump administration’s move to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification was based on claims that the university failed to meet certain reporting requirements. The Department of Homeland Security demanded:
- All records about “illegal,” “dangerous,” or “violent” activity on or off campus by nonimmigrant students in the last five years
- Records about any threats or deprivation of rights involving these students
- Disciplinary records and all audio and video footage of protests involving international students over the past five years
Officials justified these demands by accusing Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.” The administration also froze nearly $3 billion in federal funding allocated to Harvard, mostly for research.
Harvard’s Response and Legal Action
Harvard University, led by President Alan M. Garber, has strongly pushed back against the government’s actions. Garber called the move “unlawful and unwarranted,” saying it “imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard.” He stressed that international students are “vital members of our community” and insisted that Harvard had responded to the Department’s requests “as required by law.”
Harvard’s spokesperson, Jason Newton, added that the government’s actions “threaten serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermine Harvard’s academic and research mission.” The university’s legal complaint argues that the administration is retaliating against Harvard for “exercising its First Amendment rights by resisting government attempts to influence its governance, curriculum, and the beliefs of its faculty and students.”
The Legal Battle: What Happens Next?
The temporary restraining order granted by the federal judge allows Harvard to keep enrolling international students for now. The upcoming hearing on May 29, 2025, will decide if this protection should continue while the case is resolved. The outcome will affect not only Harvard but also other universities and colleges across the United States 🇺🇸 that rely on international students for both academic and financial reasons.
If the court sides with the Trump administration, Harvard could lose its ability to enroll international students, and other schools might face similar actions. If the court rules in favor of Harvard, it could limit the government’s power to intervene in university affairs and set a precedent for future cases.
Broader Context: A Pattern of Tension
This conflict is not happening in isolation. It is part of a larger pattern of tension between the Trump administration and Harvard University, as well as other higher education institutions. In recent years, the administration has taken several steps that affect international students and universities, including:
- Revoking visas: At least a dozen Harvard students have already had their student visas revoked due to involvement in campus protests.
- Visa policy changes: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress that the administration has likely revoked thousands of visas and would “proudly” continue to do so.
- Federal funding freezes: The administration has frozen billions in federal research funding for Harvard, citing concerns over foreign influence and campus unrest.
These actions reflect a broader debate over the role of international students in the United States 🇺🇸, national security, and the independence of universities.
The Role and Value of International Students
International students bring many benefits to universities like Harvard and to the United States 🇺🇸 as a whole. They:
- Contribute financially: International students often pay full tuition, helping to support university budgets and fund scholarships for other students.
- Enhance diversity: Students from around the world bring different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, enriching the campus community.
- Support research and innovation: Many international students are involved in advanced research, especially in science and technology fields.
- Build global connections: Graduates often become leaders in their home countries, creating ties that benefit the United States 🇺🇸 in business, science, and diplomacy.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the presence of international students at top universities like Harvard helps maintain the United States 🇺🇸 as a global leader in education and research.
Financial Impact: Who Pays for International Students?
President Trump’s claim that foreign countries pay “nothing” for their students’ education at Harvard is misleading. In reality:
- Most international students pay full tuition: Unlike many domestic students, who may receive need-based financial aid, international students often pay the full sticker price.
- Limited government aid: International students are generally not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid.
- Some scholarships: A small number of students may receive scholarships from their home countries or private organizations, but this is not the norm.
Harvard’s own data shows that international students are a net financial benefit to the university, not a drain on resources.
Government Oversight and University Independence
The Trump administration’s demands for records and disciplinary information about international students raise important questions about privacy, academic freedom, and the independence of universities. Critics argue that such demands could:
- Violate student privacy: Sharing detailed records about students’ activities could breach privacy laws and university policies.
- Chill free speech: Fear of government scrutiny might discourage students from participating in protests or expressing their views.
- Undermine trust: International students may feel unwelcome or targeted, making it harder for universities to attract top talent from around the world.
Supporters of the administration’s actions argue that national security and campus safety must come first, and that universities have a duty to cooperate with government investigations.
Implications for Stakeholders
For International Students
- Uncertainty: Many students face uncertainty about whether they can continue their studies or remain in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Visa risks: Students involved in protests or political activity may worry about losing their visas.
- Financial concerns: If Harvard loses SEVP certification, students could lose tuition payments or be forced to transfer.
For Harvard University
- Academic mission: The university’s ability to attract top students and scholars from around the world is at risk.
- Financial stability: Losing international students would mean a major loss of tuition revenue.
- Reputation: The conflict could damage Harvard’s standing as a global leader in education.
For the United States 🇺🇸
- Global competitiveness: The country’s reputation as a welcoming place for international talent could suffer.
- Research and innovation: Fewer international students could mean less research output and fewer discoveries.
- Diplomatic ties: Alumni who return home often become leaders and partners for the United States 🇺🇸.
What Should International Students and Universities Do Now?
- Stay informed: Follow updates from Harvard, the Department of Homeland Security, and official government sources.
- Know your rights: International students should understand their visa status and legal protections. The U.S. Department of State’s student visa page offers helpful information.
- Seek support: Universities often have offices dedicated to supporting international students with legal, academic, and personal issues.
- Document everything: Keep records of communications with the university and government agencies.
Conclusion: The Stakes Are High
The conflict between President Trump’s administration and Harvard University over international students is about much more than just one school. It touches on the future of higher education, the rights of students, and the role of the United States 🇺🇸 in the world. The outcome of this legal battle will set important precedents for how universities and the government interact, and for the thousands of international students who come to the United States 🇺🇸 each year in search of opportunity.
As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the federal court in Boston. The decisions made there will shape not only Harvard’s future but also the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come.
Learn Today
SEVP → U.S. government program certifying schools to enroll international students with F-1 or J-1 visas.
F-1 Visa → Nonimmigrant visa allowing academic students to study full-time in U.S. institutions.
J-1 Visa → Exchange visitor visa for students and scholars participating in cultural or educational exchange.
Endowment → Financial asset fund supporting a university’s operations, scholarships, and programs.
Restraining Order → Legal order temporarily preventing actions while a court case is pending.
This Article in a Nutshell
President Trump slammed Harvard for its high international student count and funding, sparking legal battle over SEVP certification revocation. Harvard defends its students’ role, emphasizing financial and academic contributions amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration over student visa policies and university independence.
— By VisaVerge.com
