Key Takeaways
• DHS issued subpoenas to Harvard on July 9, 2025, requesting records on international students since 2020.
• Harvard may lose SEVP certification and accreditation amid investigations into visa compliance and alleged campus extremism.
• Over 7,000 Harvard international students face visa uncertainties; other U.S. universities warned of similar enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken a major step in its ongoing dispute with Harvard University by issuing administrative subpoenas on July 9, 2025. These subpoenas demand detailed records about Harvard’s international student population, including information about disciplinary actions, criminal charges, and protest activities involving foreign students. This move marks a new phase in a conflict that has been building for months and could have serious consequences for Harvard, its international students, and other universities across the United States 🇺🇸.
Below, you’ll find a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these developments mean for pending and future student visa applications. This update also explains the broader implications for higher education and international students in the United States 🇺🇸.
Summary of What Changed
- DHS issued subpoenas to Harvard University on July 9, 2025, demanding extensive records about international students dating back to January 1, 2020.
- The subpoenas are part of a wider investigation into how Harvard manages its foreign student visa holders, especially in light of allegations about illegal activities and campus protests.
- The Trump administration has threatened to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification if the university does not fully comply.
- Harvard is currently involved in a legal battle with the federal government, and a court order is temporarily blocking DHS from revoking the university’s SEVP certification.
- The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services have also notified Harvard’s accreditor that the university may be violating federal antidiscrimination laws, putting its accreditation and federal funding at risk.
Who Is Affected
- Harvard’s International Students: More than 7,000 students at Harvard hold foreign student visas, making up about 27% of the university’s total enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year. These students are directly affected by the investigation and the possible loss of Harvard’s SEVP certification.
- Harvard University: The university faces the risk of losing its ability to enroll new international students and could be forced to ask current international students to transfer or leave if SEVP certification is revoked.
- Other U.S. Universities: DHS has warned that similar enforcement actions could be taken against other institutions, meaning the impact could spread beyond Harvard.
- Prospective International Students: Anyone considering applying for a student visa to study at Harvard or other U.S. universities may face new uncertainties and stricter scrutiny.
Timeline of Key Events
- April 2025: DHS first requested detailed records from Harvard about foreign student visa holders, citing concerns about illegal and violent activities. Harvard responded, but DHS found the information insufficient and tried to revoke the university’s SEVP certification.
- May 2025: A federal judge in Boston issued an injunction, temporarily blocking DHS from revoking Harvard’s SEVP certification. This allowed Harvard to continue enrolling international students while the legal case moves forward.
- June 2025: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem published an opinion piece accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitic extremism and protecting students involved in activities that require federal investigation.
- July 9, 2025: DHS issued formal subpoenas to Harvard, seeking records, communications, and documents related to international students, including details about disciplinary actions and protest involvement.
Required Actions for Stakeholders
For Harvard University:
- Respond to DHS Subpoenas: Harvard must provide the requested records, including information about international students’ disciplinary history, criminal charges, and participation in protests, covering the period since January 1, 2020.
- Continue Legal Proceedings: The university is actively challenging the Trump administration’s actions in court, seeking to protect its SEVP certification and accreditation.
- Cooperate with Accreditor: Harvard must address concerns raised by the New England Commission of Higher Education regarding compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws.
For International Students at Harvard:
- Stay Informed: Students should closely follow updates from Harvard’s International Office and legal counsel about their visa status and any changes to university policies.
- Maintain Compliance: It is important for students to follow all visa rules, avoid activities that could be seen as violations, and keep records of their academic and extracurricular activities.
- Consider Options: Some students are already exploring transfer options in case Harvard loses its SEVP certification or accreditation.
For Other Universities:
- Review Policies: Institutions should review their own handling of international student records and compliance with federal requests.
- Prepare for Possible Inquiries: DHS has signaled that other universities may face similar subpoenas or enforcement actions.
For Prospective International Students:
- Monitor Developments: Those planning to apply for a student visa to study at Harvard or other U.S. universities should watch for updates on SEVP certification and accreditation status.
- Consult Official Resources: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website provides up-to-date information about SEVP certification and student visa requirements.
Implications for Pending and Future Student Visa Applications
The current situation creates a great deal of uncertainty for both current and future international students at Harvard and possibly other universities. Here’s what you need to know:
- Pending Applications: Students who have already applied for a student visa to attend Harvard may face delays or additional scrutiny. If Harvard loses SEVP certification, new student visas cannot be issued for study at the university.
- Current Students: Those already enrolled may be allowed to continue their studies for now, thanks to the court injunction. However, if SEVP certification is revoked, they may need to transfer to another SEVP-certified institution to maintain their visa status.
- Future Applicants: Prospective students should be aware that the outcome of the legal case and accreditation review could affect Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. It is wise to have backup plans and consider other universities as alternatives.
Details of the DHS Subpoenas
The subpoenas issued by DHS are broad and cover a wide range of information, including:
- All records, communications, and documents related to international students since January 1, 2020.
- Disciplinary records for international students, including any actions taken by the university.
- Criminal charges involving international students.
- Audio and video recordings of protests involving international students.
DHS officials, including Secretary Kristi Noem and Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, have stated that the subpoenas are necessary to enforce immigration laws and address concerns about campus safety and national security. They have warned that failure to comply could result in the loss of SEVP certification, which is required for universities to enroll international students on student visas.
Legal and Accreditation Challenges
Harvard has responded to the subpoenas by calling them “unwarranted” and accusing the administration of overreach. The university says it will cooperate with lawful requests but is fighting what it sees as an attempt by the federal government to control admissions, hiring, and academic freedom.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services have notified Harvard’s accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education, that the university may be violating federal antidiscrimination laws. Specifically, they cite “deliberate indifference towards harassment of Jewish and Israeli students” after the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. If Harvard does not address these concerns, it could lose its accreditation, which would affect its ability to receive federal funding and operate as a recognized institution.
Broader Policy and Practical Effects
The actions taken by DHS and other federal agencies have far-reaching consequences:
- For Harvard: The university’s ability to host international students is at risk. Loss of SEVP certification would mean no new international students could enroll, and current students might have to leave or transfer. Loss of accreditation would threaten federal funding and the university’s reputation.
- For International Students: Many are worried about their visa status and future at Harvard. Some are already looking into transferring to other universities to avoid disruptions to their studies.
- For Other Universities: The federal government has made it clear that other institutions could face similar investigations and enforcement actions. This has prompted universities across the country to review their own policies and prepare for possible federal scrutiny.
- For U.S. Higher Education: The situation raises questions about the balance between national security, academic freedom, and the rights of international students. It could set important precedents for how the federal government interacts with universities and oversees international student programs.
Expert Analysis and Perspectives
Legal and higher education experts describe this as an unprecedented intervention by the federal government in university affairs. Some critics argue that the administration’s actions are politically motivated and represent an overreach of federal power. Supporters, on the other hand, say that strong action is needed to address campus antisemitism and protect national security.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of the legal battle and the accreditation review could have lasting effects on federal oversight of higher education and the future of international student programs in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Happens Next?
The situation is still developing, and several key decisions are expected in the coming months:
- Federal Court Ruling: The court will decide whether DHS can revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification. This decision will determine whether Harvard can continue to enroll international students.
- Accreditation Review: The New England Commission of Higher Education is reviewing Harvard’s compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws. If Harvard does not meet the required standards, it could lose its accreditation.
- Possible Expansion to Other Universities: Depending on the outcome at Harvard, DHS and other agencies may take similar actions against other universities.
Practical Guidance for Students and Universities
For Current and Prospective International Students:
- Keep in Touch with Your University: Regularly check for updates from your university’s international office and legal advisors.
- Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: Make sure you understand your visa conditions and follow all rules.
- Have a Backup Plan: If you are studying at Harvard or planning to apply, consider other universities as alternatives in case of changes to SEVP certification or accreditation.
- Use Official Resources: For the latest information on student visas and SEVP certification, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.
For Universities:
- Review Compliance Procedures: Ensure that your institution is prepared to respond to federal requests for information about international students.
- Communicate Clearly with Students: Keep international students informed about any changes that could affect their status.
- Monitor Federal Policy Changes: Stay updated on DHS and Department of Education policies that could impact your ability to enroll and support international students.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The DHS subpoenas to Harvard University mark a turning point in the relationship between the federal government and higher education institutions regarding international students and student visa programs. The outcome of this dispute will have major consequences for Harvard, its international student community, and possibly the entire U.S. higher education system.
International students at Harvard should stay informed, maintain compliance with visa rules, and consider their options as the situation unfolds. Universities should review their own policies and be ready for possible federal inquiries. Prospective students should monitor developments closely and use official resources to guide their decisions.
For more information about student visa requirements and SEVP certification, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website. This official resource provides clear guidance for students, universities, and families navigating these complex and fast-changing issues.
As the legal and accreditation processes move forward, all eyes will be on the federal court’s ruling and the accreditor’s response. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of international education and student visa policy in the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come.
Learn Today
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal agency overseeing immigration, national security, and enforcing visa regulations.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) → Federal certification program allowing universities to enroll international students with valid visas.
Administrative Subpoena → Legal order requiring an organization to produce documents or records for investigation.
Accreditation → Official recognition ensuring a university meets quality and federal regulatory standards.
International Student Visa → A visa permitting foreign nationals to study at U.S. accredited institutions.
This Article in a Nutshell
The DHS subpoenaed Harvard on July 9, 2025, demanding international student records due to visa and security concerns. Harvard risks losing key certifications, threatening thousands of foreign students. This legal battle challenges federal influence on universities and impacts student visa processes nationwide, signaling broader effects on U.S. higher education.
— By VisaVerge.com
