Key Takeaways
• DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification on May 22, 2025, blocking new international student enrollment.
• Federal review now scrutinizes all Harvard-affiliated visa holders, including students, scholars, staff, and visitors.
• Next court hearing on May 29, 2025, will decide if Harvard can enroll international students.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed a sweeping review of all visa holders connected to Harvard University, marking a dramatic escalation in federal oversight of international students, scholars, and visitors. This move comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, effectively blocking the university from enrolling new foreign students for the 2025-2026 academic year. The situation has left thousands of international students facing uncertainty about their legal status and academic futures, while Harvard and federal officials prepare for a major court hearing set for May 29, 2025.
What’s Happening at Harvard and Why?
On May 22, 2025, DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, citing the university’s alleged failure to provide complete records on international students’ activities, including any involvement in illegal or violent protest activity. This action followed weeks of back-and-forth between Harvard and federal agencies, with the State Department confirming it is now scrutinizing all Harvard-affiliated visa holders—not just students, but also scholars, staff, and visitors on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and other visa categories.
The federal government’s investigation aims to identify security vulnerabilities and possible abuses of the visa system. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this is the first time in decades that such a broad review has targeted a single university, and the implications are far-reaching for both Harvard and the wider U.S. higher education sector.
Key Dates and Timeline
To understand how the situation unfolded, it’s important to look at the sequence of events:
- April 16, 2025: DHS sent Harvard a letter demanding detailed records on all international students, including information on illegal or violent activity, disciplinary actions, and coursework.
- April 30, 2025: Harvard submitted records for 5,200 international students.
- May 7, 2025: DHS deemed Harvard’s response incomplete and reiterated its request for more information.
- May 14, 2025: Harvard provided additional records.
- May 22, 2025: DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification.
- May 23, 2025: A federal judge issued a temporary injunction, blocking the immediate enforcement of the DHS directive.
- May 29, 2025: The next major court hearing is scheduled, which will determine whether the injunction remains in place.
Who Is Affected?
International Students
Harvard has between 6,800 and 10,000 international students, making up about 27–31% of its student body. These students now face the risk of losing their legal status in the United States 🇺🇸 if Harvard’s SEVP certification remains revoked. They must either transfer to another SEVP-certified institution or leave the country before the next academic year begins.
Some students have already felt the impact. At least a dozen Harvard students have had their authorization to study in the United States 🇺🇸 revoked over protest activity, according to federal officials. Many more are left in limbo, unsure if they can continue their studies, research, or employment.
Harvard University
For Harvard, the stakes are enormous. The university is now barred from enrolling new foreign students for the 2025-2026 academic year. In addition, $2.65 billion in federal funds have been frozen, and the administration is considering redirecting an additional $100 million in federal contracts away from the university. Harvard President Alan Garber has warned of an “immediate and devastating effect” on students and research, noting that the university is using $250 million from reserves to cover research funding gaps and has taken a 25% pay cut.
U.S. Higher Education
The situation sets a precedent for federal intervention in university governance and international student policies. Other universities are watching closely, concerned about academic freedom, campus speech, and the role of universities in reporting student activities to the government.
What Is SEVP Certification and Why Does It Matter?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a federal program that allows U.S. schools to enroll international students. Schools must be certified by SEVP to issue the Form I-20, which students need to apply for an F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange visitor) visa. Without SEVP certification, a university cannot legally enroll new international students, and current students may lose their legal status.
Harvard has held SEVP certification since 1954, with recertification every two years and no prior threats to its status. The sudden revocation is unprecedented and has sent shockwaves through the academic community.
For more information about SEVP and its requirements, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SEVP page.
Why Did DHS Revoke Harvard’s Certification?
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and noncompliance with federal requests.” She stated, “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students.” The federal government claims Harvard failed to provide all requested records on international students, including details about any illegal or violent protest activity.
President Trump has publicly criticized Harvard for not providing a sufficient list of international students and has suggested capping foreign student enrollment at 15%, down from the current 27–31%. The administration frames the action as necessary for national security and combating antisemitism.
Harvard’s Response and Legal Challenge
Harvard strongly disputes the government’s claims. President Alan Garber called the actions “perplexing” and warned of severe consequences for students and research. Steve Bunnell, Harvard’s lawyer, provided DHS with detailed records for 5,200 students, including identification, enrollment, and disciplinary information. Harvard argues that the government’s demands exceed what the law requires and represent an attack on academic freedom and university governance.
On May 23, 2025, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction, allowing Harvard to continue enrolling international students while the case is reviewed. The next court hearing is set for May 29, 2025, and will be critical in determining the future for Harvard and its international students.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
The immediate concern for international students is their legal status. If Harvard’s SEVP certification remains revoked, students must:
- Transfer to another SEVP-certified institution before the next academic year, or
- Leave the United States 🇺🇸 to avoid falling out of legal status.
Students are urged to contact the Harvard International Office (HIO) for guidance on their visa status and transfer options. The uncertainty has caused significant anxiety, as students worry about their studies, research, and future job opportunities.
Steps for Affected Students
- Check SEVP Status: Confirm Harvard’s current SEVP certification status through the SEVP School Search Tool.
- Contact HIO: Reach out to the Harvard International Office for personalized advice.
- Prepare for Transfer: If necessary, begin researching other SEVP-certified schools and prepare transfer applications.
- Monitor Legal Developments: Stay updated on the court case and any changes to federal policy.
How Did We Get Here? Background and Context
The dispute between Harvard and the federal government escalated amid pro-Palestinian protests on campus, allegations of antisemitism, and broader federal investigations into Harvard’s governance, admissions, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. A multi-agency federal task force on antisemitism has been pressuring Harvard to make sweeping changes, including viewpoint audits and changes to hiring and admissions.
The federal government already has extensive data on international students through the SEVP database, which includes names, addresses, courses, grades, and more. Immigration law experts note that the government’s demands for additional records are unusual and may exceed what is required by law.
Multiple Perspectives on the Crisis
Federal Government
Officials argue that the action is necessary to address campus antisemitism and security concerns. They maintain that Harvard failed to comply with lawful requests for information and that universities must cooperate fully to maintain the privilege of enrolling foreign students.
Harvard and Supporters
Harvard and its supporters view the measures as government overreach, retaliation, and a threat to academic independence and diversity. They argue that the demands for student records go beyond what the law requires and undermine the university’s ability to protect student privacy and academic freedom.
International Students
Students express deep anxiety and uncertainty about their academic futures and legal status. Many worry about being forced to leave the United States 🇺🇸 or having to transfer to another school on short notice.
Legal Community
Lawyers and immigration experts are watching the case closely, as the outcome could reshape the relationship between universities and the federal government regarding international students and campus governance.
What Happens Next?
The next major development will come at the court hearing on May 29, 2025. The judge will decide whether to keep the temporary injunction in place, which would allow Harvard to continue enrolling international students while the lawsuit proceeds. If the injunction is lifted and the SEVP revocation stands, thousands of students could be forced to transfer or leave the country.
The administration is also considering broader policy changes, such as capping international student enrollment at 15% and redirecting federal funds to trade schools. These changes would have lasting effects on Harvard, its international students, and potentially the entire U.S. higher education sector.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
For International Students
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the Harvard International Office and official government sources.
- Know Your Rights: Understand your visa status and options for transfer or departure.
- Act Quickly: If Harvard’s SEVP certification is not restored, begin the transfer process as soon as possible to avoid falling out of status.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting an immigration attorney if you have specific concerns about your situation.
For Harvard Faculty and Staff
- Support Students: Provide guidance and support to international students during this period of uncertainty.
- Monitor Policy Changes: Stay updated on federal actions and court decisions that may affect university operations.
For Other U.S. Universities
- Review Compliance: Ensure full compliance with SEVP requirements and be prepared for increased federal scrutiny.
- Prepare for Precedent: Understand that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future federal intervention in university governance.
Where to Find Official Information
- U.S. State Department – Bureau of Consular Affairs: For visa inquiries and updates, visit the State Department’s visa page.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security – SEVP: For official policy updates and compliance information, visit the SEVP website.
- Harvard International Office (HIO): For guidance specific to Harvard students and scholars, visit the HIO website.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The federal government’s review of all Harvard-affiliated visa holders, combined with the DHS revocation of SEVP certification, has created a crisis for thousands of international students and the university itself. The outcome of the ongoing legal battle will determine whether Harvard can continue to enroll international students and may set new standards for how universities interact with federal agencies.
All stakeholders—students, faculty, university leaders, and policymakers—should monitor official channels closely for updates. The next court hearing on May 29, 2025, will be a key moment in this unfolding story.
For now, international students should stay in close contact with the Harvard International Office, prepare for possible transfer, and keep informed about their rights and responsibilities. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting effects on Harvard, its students, and the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸.
Actionable Takeaways:
- International students: Check your visa status, contact the HIO, and prepare for possible transfer.
- Harvard community: Support affected students and stay informed about legal developments.
- Other universities: Review SEVP compliance and be aware of potential policy changes.
- All readers: Follow official government sources for the latest updates on this developing situation.
For authoritative information on student visa requirements and SEVP certification, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SEVP page.
Learn Today
SEVP → Student and Exchange Visitor Program certifying schools to enroll international students in the U.S.
SEVP Certification → Official approval allowing schools to enroll foreign students and issue Form I-20 for visas.
Form I-20 → Document issued by SEVP-approved schools required for F-1 or J-1 student visa applications.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, federal agency overseeing immigration and security policies.
Temporary Injunction → Court order temporarily blocking enforcement of a law or action pending further review.
This Article in a Nutshell
The DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, halting foreign student enrollment and freezing federal funds, sparking legal battles. Thousands of international students face uncertain futures as a May 29 court hearing looms, with implications for Harvard and national higher education policy around student visa oversight.
— By VisaVerge.com
