Trump Administration's Move to Halt Harvard's International Enrollment

On Thursday, a significant action curtailed Harvard University's ability to enroll new international students and retain those already studying there.

The Secretary has instructed the Department of Homeland Security to rescind the certification that allows Harvard to enroll students from overseas.

This action not only prevents new international admissions but also requires current foreign students at Harvard to either transfer or lose their legal student status. This decision was reportedly due to perceived 'pro-terrorist behavior,' as initially publicized by The New York Times.

International students made up over 27% of Harvard's student population as of the 2023 fall term, based on the university's reports.

Administrative Justifications and Implications

Noem has publicly argued that Harvard is being held accountable for enabling violence, antisemitism, and cooperating with the Chinese Communist Party within its campus limits.

She insisted that the opportunity for universities to enroll international learners is a privilege, not a guaranteed right. These students often contribute to university finances through higher tuition fees that support Harvard's multi-billion dollar endowments. According to Noem, Harvard had ample chances to rectify the situation.

Harvard's Response and Ongoing Conflicts

CNBC reached out to Harvard for a statement regarding this development, which is part of an ongoing dispute between the Ivy League institution and federal authorities over antisemitism claims on campus.

Noem had previously cautioned Harvard in April, indicating that their allowance to enroll foreign students depended on adherence to federal immigration laws.

Around the same time, the administration halted $2.2 billion in federal funding for Harvard after it dismissed recommendations to eliminate certain diversity and inclusion programs and vet international students based on their ideologies.