WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s certification to participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), according to an official letter issued Thursday by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The decision, effective immediately, prohibits Harvard from enrolling new or continuing F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Existing international students at Harvard must transfer to other institutions to maintain their immigration status.
The revocation follows what DHS characterized as Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal reporting requirements related to international student conduct. Secretary Noem’s letter references multiple requests made since April for records concerning misconduct, threats, and protest activity involving nonimmigrant students. DHS deemed Harvard’s responses insufficient.
In the letter, Noem stated that the department’s requests sought information regarding safety concerns on campus, including threats and illegal activity allegedly involving international students. The failure to comply, according to DHS, created an unsafe environment and violated terms of the SEVP.
A statement released by DHS emphasized the administration’s stance that enrolling foreign students is a privilege dependent on adherence to federal law. It also accused Harvard of fostering antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party—allegations not further substantiated in the letter.
Harvard has not issued a public response to the decertification as of Thursday morning.
This action is likely to have significant implications for both the university and hundreds of international students currently enrolled. The DHS warning suggests that other universities may face similar scrutiny if they fail to meet SEVP compliance standards.