Key Takeaways
• On May 22, 2025, DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, blocking F- and J-visa sponsorship for 2025–26.
• A Boston judge issued a temporary restraining order on May 23, pausing the certification revocation.
• Harvard enrolled 6,793 international students in 2024–25, comprising 27.3% of its student body.
On May 22, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, took the extraordinary step of revoking Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This move, if enforced, would block Harvard from sponsoring F- and J-visas for international students and scholars for the entire 2025–26 academic year. Just one day later, a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order, pausing the government’s action and allowing Harvard’s international students to remain enrolled for now. The court will hold a hearing next week to decide whether the ban will stand or be lifted.
This sudden federal action has sent shockwaves through the higher education community, raising urgent questions about the future of international students at Harvard University, the role of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and the broader climate for international education in the United States 🇺🇸. As the legal battle unfolds, universities like the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) are reaffirming their support for international students, even as anxiety and uncertainty grow across campuses nationwide.
What Happened: Harvard’s SEVP Certification Revoked
The Department of Homeland Security announced on May 22 that it was revoking Harvard University’s SEVP certification. SEVP is a federal program that allows U.S. schools to sponsor international students and scholars for F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas. Without this certification, Harvard would lose its ability to enroll new international students or allow current ones to continue their studies.
Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision was based on Harvard’s “non-compliance with information requests.” The government had previously ordered Harvard to reform its international admissions process and increase reporting and auditing, with a compliance deadline set for August 2025. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this move is widely seen as part of a broader federal crackdown on universities following recent campus protests and disputes over academic independence.
Harvard quickly filed a lawsuit against the federal government, calling the action “unlawful and unwarranted.” President Alan M. Garber condemned the move, emphasizing the vital role international students and scholars play at Harvard and in the nation. Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton described the action as “retaliatory,” warning it could cause “serious harm” to both the university and the United States 🇺🇸.
Immediate Legal Response: Temporary Restraining Order
On May 23, a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order, stopping the government from enforcing the SEVP revocation immediately. This means that, for now, Harvard can continue to enroll international students and scholars. However, the university’s SEVP certification remains under threat, and its long-term ability to sponsor visas will depend on the outcome of the upcoming court hearing.
The judge’s intervention has provided temporary relief for thousands of students, but the situation remains highly uncertain. If the court sides with the government, Harvard could lose its ability to host international students for at least the next academic year.
Why This Matters: The Stakes for Harvard and International Students
The impact of this federal action is enormous. In the 2024–25 academic year, Harvard University enrolled 6,793 international students, making up 27.3% of its student body. Tuition and fees from these students brought in about $1.4 billion, or 21% of Harvard’s operating revenue.
If the government’s action stands:
- Thousands of international students could be forced to leave Harvard or transfer to other schools.
- Graduating students and those planning to start in fall 2025 face immediate uncertainty about their futures.
- Harvard’s global reputation and research programs could suffer, as international students and scholars are key contributors to academic life.
This move also sends a strong warning to other universities, especially those with large international student populations, that federal scrutiny and enforcement could increase.
The National Picture: How Many Are Affected?
Across the United States 🇺🇸, about 1.1 million international students are currently studying at colleges and universities. While the government has not announced a blanket travel ban or mass visa revocations, at least 300 student visas have reportedly been revoked nationwide so far. This represents about 0.03% of all international student visas.
For now, there is no indication that Penn’s SEVP certification or its ability to enroll international students has been affected. Penn officials have publicly reaffirmed their support for international students and are closely monitoring the situation.
Penn’s Response: Support and Guidance for International Students
In the wake of the federal action against Harvard, Penn’s leadership has moved quickly to reassure its international community. Vice Provost Ezekiel Emanuel and Associate Vice Provost Amy Gadsden have both reaffirmed Penn’s commitment to supporting international students. They have urged students to be vigilant against scams and misinformation, and to seek help from university resources if they receive unexpected communications about their visa status.
Provost John Jackson Jr. has advised students to avoid non-essential international travel, given the rapidly changing policy environment. Penn has also expanded support services, including legal consultations and information sessions, to help students understand their rights and options.
Key guidance for Penn’s international students includes:
- Do not respond to unexpected government communications about your visa without first consulting Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
- Forward any suspicious messages to Rudie Altamirano, ISSS Executive Director ([email protected]).
- Avoid non-essential international travel until the situation stabilizes.
- Consult with ISSS advisors and program directors for advice on travel, visa status, and academic accommodations.
- Carry documentation of your visa status and keep copies of all primary immigration documents.
- Attend university information sessions and legal consultations for the latest updates and support.
Penn’s ISSS website (https://global.upenn.edu/isss) provides up-to-date information and resources for international students and scholars.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program: What Is It?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a federal program run by the Department of Homeland Security. It certifies schools to enroll international students and scholars and allows them to sponsor F-1 and J-1 visas. Schools must comply with strict reporting and auditing requirements to maintain their certification.
Losing SEVP certification means a school cannot sponsor new international students or allow current ones to continue their studies. This is why the government’s action against Harvard University is so serious—it threatens the academic futures of thousands of students and the university’s ability to participate in global education.
For more information about SEVP and its requirements, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP page.
Multiple Perspectives: How Stakeholders Are Reacting
University Leaders
Leaders at Harvard and other universities have strongly condemned the federal action. They argue that it is politically motivated and threatens the core values of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Harvard’s President Garber and spokesperson Newton have both warned of the serious harm this move could cause to higher education in the United States 🇺🇸.
Government Officials
Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal officials say the move is necessary to enforce compliance with federal rules and protect national interests. A White House spokesperson stated that enrolling foreign students is a “privilege, not a right,” and defended the administration’s tough stance.
Students
International students at Harvard and other universities are expressing fear, uncertainty, and frustration. Some are already making plans to transfer to other schools or leave the United States 🇺🇸 if the situation does not improve.
State and Local Leaders
State Representative Tram Nguyen called the move “un-American” and warned that it threatens Massachusetts’ economic and academic vitality. Many local leaders are concerned about the potential loss of talent and the negative impact on their communities.
Policy Implications: What Could Happen Next?
The federal action against Harvard University is seen as a warning to other institutions. It raises serious concerns about:
- Academic freedom: Universities may feel pressured to comply with federal demands or risk losing their ability to host international students.
- Institutional autonomy: Schools could face more government oversight and intervention in their admissions and reporting processes.
- The future of international education: The United States 🇺🇸 has long been a top destination for international students. If these policies continue, other countries may become more attractive options.
Legal experts warn that the government’s action raises constitutional questions about academic freedom and due process. Higher education analysts note that international students are critical to U.S. universities’ finances, research, and global reputation.
Guidance for International Students: What Should You Do?
Given the rapidly changing policy environment, immigration attorneys and university officials advise all international students to remain in close contact with their school’s legal and immigration offices. Here are some practical steps to follow:
- If you receive unexpected communication from the U.S. government about your visa:
- Do not respond or take any action without consulting your university’s international student office.
- Forward the message to the appropriate campus contact (for Penn, Rudie Altamirano at [email protected]).
- Avoid non-essential international travel until the situation becomes clearer.
Consult with advisors and program directors for guidance on travel, visa status, and academic accommodations.
Carry documentation of your visa status and keep copies of all important immigration documents.
Attend information sessions and legal consultations offered by your university.
Stay informed by checking official university and government websites for updates.
Broader Context: Immigration Policy Under President Trump
The current situation is unfolding during President Trump’s second term, which has been marked by renewed executive actions targeting immigration. These include proposals for new travel bans and stricter visa controls. During President Trump’s first term, executive orders restricted entry from several Muslim-majority countries, and later expanded to others.
In April 2025, the federal government ordered Harvard to reform its international admissions process and increase reporting and auditing, setting the stage for the current conflict.
What’s Next: Legal and Policy Developments
The immediate future of Harvard’s SEVP certification will be decided at the federal court hearing scheduled for next week. If the court upholds the government’s action, Harvard could lose its ability to sponsor international students for at least the 2025–26 academic year.
Other universities are watching closely and preparing for similar federal scrutiny, especially those with large international student populations. Many are expanding legal, counseling, and advocacy services for international students in anticipation of further federal actions.
The federal government is expected to continue pushing for stricter oversight of international student admissions and campus activities. This could mean more reporting requirements, audits, and the risk of losing SEVP certification for other schools.
Resources and Contacts
If you are an international student or scholar, it is important to stay connected with your university’s international office and legal advisors. Here are some key resources:
- Penn International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): global.upenn.edu/isss
- Executive Director: Rudie Altamirano ([email protected])
- Harvard International Office: Provides updates and support for affected students.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: For official policy updates, visit www.dhs.gov.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP page: www.ice.gov/sevis
Takeaways for International Students and Universities
- Stay informed: Policy changes can happen quickly. Check official university and government websites regularly.
- Seek support: Use campus resources, legal consultations, and information sessions to understand your rights and options.
- Be cautious: Avoid non-essential travel and be wary of scams or misinformation.
- Document everything: Keep copies of your visa, passport, and other important documents.
- Advocate: Work with university leaders and student groups to make your voice heard.
Conclusion
The federal government’s move to revoke Harvard University’s SEVP certification has created deep uncertainty for thousands of international students and sent a strong signal to universities across the United States 🇺🇸. While a federal judge has temporarily blocked the action, the future remains unclear as legal proceedings continue. Universities like Penn are stepping up support for their international communities, but the broader climate for international education is more uncertain than ever.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation highlights the importance of staying informed, seeking support, and preparing for rapid changes in immigration policy. International students, universities, and policymakers will all play a role in shaping what comes next for global education in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
SEVP → Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a federal certification allowing schools to sponsor F-1 and J-1 visas.
F-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for international students pursuing academic studies in the United States.
J-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for exchange visitors participating in approved cultural and educational programs.
Temporary Restraining Order → A court order temporarily preventing a party from taking a particular action.
Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and national security policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
The DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification on May 22, 2025, threatening international student enrollment. A judge blocked this action temporarily, allowing students to remain. Harvard’s future in global education remains uncertain as legal battles continue, highlighting widespread federal scrutiny and its impact on international students nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
