The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented offensive against one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Harvard University has been abruptly barred from accepting foreign students after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked its certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The decision affects over 6,700 foreign students and raises questions about the future of American education.
[Read more here](https://spotmedia.ro/stiri/eveniment/administratia-trump-interzice-universitatii-harvard-sa-primeasca-studenti-straini)
### What does losing SEVP certification entail
The conflict between Harvard and the White House has escalated in recent months after the university refused several requests from the administration: restructuring the program for international students, abandoning DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) initiatives, and sharing student data with authorities.
In response, the federal government froze $2.2 billion in funding, and now has taken the decisive step of excluding Harvard from the SEVP program.
[Read more here](https://spotmedia.ro/stiri/educatie/universitatea-harvard-respinge-pretentiile-lui-trump-iar-administratia-i-a-taiat-rapid-pes…
Without SEVP certification, Harvard can no longer enroll students with F-1 or J-1 visas. **Those already enrolled must quickly transfer to other institutions to maintain their legal status**. Otherwise, they risk deportation, as highlighted by [CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/22/us/international-students-harvard-trump-administration).
According to current rules, institutions that lose this certification must notify students and collaborate for their transfer, but the current situation is unprecedented in scale and political motivation.
### Serious allegations
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem justified the measure with harsh accusations: breaking the law, tolerating antisemitism, and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Furthermore, to regain certification, **Harvard would need to provide a comprehensive report within 72 hours on the „illegal” activities and protests of foreign students over the past five years** – including video and audio recordings. Any false information could lead to criminal charges, as reported by [The Straits Times](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/how-can-the-us-government-stop-harvard-from-enrolling-international-students).
### Revolt in the academic community
The university’s leadership condemned the decision as „illegal” and promised to offer rapid support to those affected. **Foreign students, representing over 27% of the total**, are considered essential to the university’s academic mission.
[Read more here](https://spotmedia.ro/stiri/eveniment/dupa-ce-universitatea-harvard-a-respins-conditiile-lui-trump-presedintele-american-vrea-scuze-si-adauga-o-noua-amenintare)
Jason Furman, an economics professor and former advisor in the Obama administration, described the measure as **”horrible from all points of view.”**
The Harvard professors’ organization denounced the **”unconstitutional attack”** of the administration on international students.
Australia, through Ambassador Kevin Rudd, also reacted by offering consular support to its students at Harvard.
### Major academic and financial impact
In addition to administrative chaos and legal uncertainty, the decision also severely affects research activities. **Entire laboratories are at risk of closing, and some projects have already been suspended** after federal funding was frozen.
[Read more here](https://spotmedia.ro/stiri/eveniment/trump-taie-finantarea-harvard-sefii-universitatii-cer-sponsorizari-de-la-absolventii-bogati)
Harvard Medical School and the School of Public Health have begun to reduce expenses and close rented facilities.
Financially, although Harvard has the largest endowment fund in the world ($53.2 billion), access to these funds is restricted. Only a small portion can be used freely, with the rest being locked in investments or allocated for specific purposes, such as scholarships, chairs, or academic projects.
### Can things return to normal?
The legal route seems to be the only viable option for Harvard. Several experts believe that **the university has a high chance of winning in a federal lawsuit**, accusing the government of arbitrary actions and politically motivated reprisals.
Immigration law specialists suggest that DHS could be accused of reprisals against activities protected by the First Amendment, such as student protests.
[Read more here](https://spotmedia.ro/stiri/educatie/harvard-riposteaza-da-in-judecata-casa-alba-pentru-atacul-asupra-autonomiei-universitare)
In a separate case, a federal judge in San Francisco issued a preliminary decision that prevented the Trump administration from revoking the legal status of foreign students nationwide. However, this ruling does not directly apply to Harvard, and **the university must follow its own legal course**.
### Global repercussions of the decision
The crisis at Harvard is not just a localized conflict but a warning signal for all American universities.
Secretary Noem warned that any institution refusing to collaborate with federal authorities risks similar sanctions. Thus, the entire policy of attracting international students – one of the great strengths of American education – is now in question.