Harvard Loses International Student Authorization Amid Trump Administration's Escalating Pressure

The escalating conflict between the U.S. government and elite universities has reached a new peak with the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students. This move, announced on the 22nd, prohibits the university from admitting new international students and requires current international students to transfer to continue their education. The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Nunez, issued a statement warning all universities and academic institutions about the consequences of non-compliance.

Harvard University has responded strongly, labeling the decision as "illegal and retaliatory," and warning of potential severe harm to both the Harvard community and the nation. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining its ability to host international students and scholars from over 140 countries, who significantly enrich the academic environment and the country.

The roots of this conflict can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict. Then-Harvard President Claudine Gay faced intense criticism from Republican lawmakers for her response to pro-Palestinian protests on campus, leading to her resignation. Alan Garber took over as president in August 2024. Since Trump's inauguration in January 2025, the White House has progressively increased pressure on Harvard:

In February, the Department of Justice established a task force aimed at eradicating anti-Semitic harassment on campuses. On March 31, multiple federal agencies announced a formal review of Harvard's 2.556 billion dollars in contracts and 87 billion dollars in multi-year funding. On April 14, the Trump administration froze 22 billion dollars in multi-year funding and 60 million dollars in multi-year contracts. On May 5, all new federal funding to Harvard was cut off. On May 13, the Anti-Semitism Task Force announced an additional 4.5 billion dollars in federal funding cuts. On May 19, the administration threatened to use the False Claims Act to challenge Harvard's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Harvard has not remained passive in the face of these pressures. On April 21, the university filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging violations of the First Amendment and arbitrary funding reductions. The government had previously demanded that Harvard reform its governance structure, alter its hiring and admissions practices, refuse to admit students deemed hostile to American values, and cancel diversity programs, among other requirements. Garber firmly rejected these demands, stating that the university would not compromise its independence or constitutional rights.

The political storm has implications beyond academia. Analysts suggest that if Harvard and other top universities are unable to enroll international students, their tuition revenue and global rankings could be severely impacted. Related industries, such as international education services, student housing, and educational technology, could also face disruptions. Secretary Nunez hinted at similar actions being considered for other universities. Additionally, Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, potentially transforming the operational model of private universities in the U.S.