Harvard has 30 days to respond on foreign students: DHS

Harvard has 30 days to respond on foreign students: DHS

In a significant development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has given Harvard University 30 days to address rising antisemitism and pro-Hamas sentiments on campus, or face potential severe consequences. The DHS, under the Trump administration, has issued an ultimatum to Harvard, demanding immediate action to ensure a safe environment for all students.

The DHS announced the 30-day deadline during a press briefing on May 29, stating that Harvard has repeatedly failed to take decisive action against antisemitic activities and pro-Hamas sentiments. The administration cited an ongoing investigation into Harvard’s handling of campus safety and compliance with federal regulations.

Harvard’s response to the ultimatum has been described as inadequate by DHS officials. The university was warned that failure to comply within the 30-day period would result in the loss of its ability to participate in the F-1 visa program, which allows international students to study in the United States. This would effectively halt Harvard’s ability to admit new international students, a significant blow to the university’s global reputation and financial stability.

The DHS has emphasized that this directive is non-negotiable and has provided no timeline for when Harvard might regain its visa program eligibility. Current international students at Harvard, numbering in the thousands, have been instructed to transfer to other US institutions to continue their studies.

The Trump administration has also issued a stern warning to other US colleges and universities, signaling that similar consequences await institutions that fail to comply with federal expectations regarding campus safety and the suppression of antisemitic activities.

Harvard has condemned the decision as “unlawful,” calling it a significant threat to its academic and research mission. The university has warned that the action undermines not only its own standing but also the integrity of the entire US higher education system.

The DHS has confirmed that its investigation into Harvard remains active, with officials reviewing the university’s compliance with federal regulations and its handling of campus safety concerns. While no specific timeline for the investigation’s conclusion was provided, the administration has made clear that Harvard’s reinstatement into the visa program will depend on its ability to demonstrate “substantial and verifiable” improvements in addressing antisemitism and ensuring a safe campus environment.

References
[1] https://organiser.org/2025/05/23/293649/world/failed-to-address-rising-antisemitism-pro-hamas-sentiments-harvard-faces-ban-from-enrolling-foreign-students/
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/29/is-harvard-refusing-to-tell-trump-admin-who-its-international-students-are