DHS threatens to strip Harvard’s ability to host foreign students

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday escalated its standoff with Harvard University, threatening to revoke the school’s ability to enrol foreign students unless it complies with demands from the Trump administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced the cancellation of two federal grants worth $2.7 million, saying Harvard must produce records about the “illegal and violent activities” of student visa holders by 30 April or lose its privileges under federal immigration programs.

“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem said.

The crackdown is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against universities over pro-Palestinian campus protests following Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The White House alleges the protests reflect “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” and has begun cancelling student visas and revoking funding for institutions it accuses of failing to control unrest.

Harvard, which holds a $53.2 billion endowment, has previously rejected demands from the Trump administration to restructure campus policies, including removing DEI programmes and imposing a campus-wide mask ban. It has also denied claims that it fosters antisemitism, saying it works to combat all forms of hate while protecting free speech and the right to protest.

On Monday, Harvard refused to accept the administration’s proposed restrictions in exchange for continued federal funding. The government responded by freezing $2.3 billion in funding and threatening to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status.

The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly reviewing Harvard’s financial standing, with a final decision on its tax designation expected soon, according to CNN.

Rights groups have raised alarms over the administration’s pressure campaign, warning that academic freedom, civil liberties and anti-discrimination protections are at risk.

The Trump administration has also frozen or pulled funding from Columbia, Princeton, Brown and other leading universities amid similar disputes, largely tied to cultural and ideological clashes over Israel-Gaza, diversity programmes and transgender policies.

Harvard has not issued a public comment since Noem’s latest announcement.

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