The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has told Harvard University it could lose the right to enroll foreign students. This warning came because the university allegedly failed to follow federal rules on tracking certain visa holders.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Wednesday that more than $2.7 million in DHS grants given to Harvard will also be canceled.
Noem sent a letter to Harvard asking for information on what she called the “illegal and violent activities” of some international students at the school. She gave Harvard a deadline of April 30 to respond.
“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 in her statement.
A Harvard spokesperson said the school had received the letter and was aware of the government’s actions. The university said it plans to obey the law but won’t be bullied.
“We will not surrender our independence or relinquish our constitutional rights,” the spokesperson said.
Tensions Over Campus Protests and Free Speech
This latest move comes as Donald Trump’s administration cracks down on campus protests over the war in Gaza. After Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, Israel launched a powerful military response. That war has led to pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses, including Harvard.
Some of the protests have been led by students on foreign visas. Trump’s team claims many of these protesters are “anti-American, antisemitic, and support Hamas.”
But others see the situation differently. Many protesters say they are standing for human rights and calling out Israel’s bombing campaign. Some Jewish groups have even joined the protests.
They argue the administration is twisting their message.
They say their support for Palestinian civilians and criticism of Israel doesn’t mean they support violence or Hamas.
Despite that, the Trump administration has already revoked hundreds of student visas and is trying to deport some of the foreign protesters.
DHS Criticizes Harvard’s Handling of Situation
Noem took a direct swipe at Harvard’s leadership and finances.
“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos – DHS won’t,” she said.
She added that there’s “an anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” spreading at the school.
The pressure on Harvard is part of a broader campaign by Trump’s administration to silence criticism of Israel and clamp down on student protests.
The university has not publicly responded in detail to the accusations but insists it will follow legal requirements without giving up its values.
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