The Trump administration has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Harvard University, demanding the institution justify its continued hosting of international students amid accusations of regulatory violations and insufficient efforts to combat antisemitism on campus.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally issued a "Notice of Intent to Withdraw" Harvard from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This notice accuses Harvard of violating reporting requirements and failing to maintain a campus environment free from violence and antisemitism.
This development threatens to impact a pending court hearing that involves Harvard's legal challenge against the administration's earlier decision to prohibit the university from enrolling new foreign students. Harvard condemned the decision, describing it as "devastating," especially since nearly 27% of the university's student body comprises international students. If enforced, affected students may be compelled to either leave the university or transfer elsewhere.
President Trump intensified his criticism, calling for a 15% cap on non-US students at Harvard and accusing the university of harboring radicalism, antisemitism, and financial misconduct. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump demanded transparency regarding the names and origins of foreign students, accusing Harvard of withholding this information. Additionally, he proposed cutting $3 billion in federal funding allocated to Harvard and redirecting these funds to trade schools, emphasizing that "Harvard has got to behave themselves."
