The White House Revokes Harvard University's Right to Admit International Students Over Pro-Palestine Protests

According to a statement released on May 22, 2025, by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Harvard was given a 72-hour deadline to submit detailed information about all its international students.

President Trump has directed all institutions, including universities, to identify and penalize students involved in activities supporting Palestine in its ongoing conflict with Israel. He argues that such actions fuel division and antisemitism.

Following this directive, many universities have begun submitting records of students involved in such protests, with some students subsequently being deported or banned from continuing their studies in the U.S. Institutions that failed to comply faced the threat of closure.

However, Harvard declined to provide the requested information. As a result, it has lost its right to admit or continue hosting international students, according to Secretary Noem.

“Harvard will no longer be allowed to accept international students, and those currently enrolled must be transferred to other institutions or risk losing their right to study,” she stated.

"This decision may impact around 6,800 international students who are presently studying at Harvard."

"Harvard responded by condemning the decision, describing it as lacking legal basis and driven by political motives." University spokesperson Jason Newton warned that it could severely impact the university’s global role and contributions to education.

This move follows an earlier decision by the U.S. government to cut $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard, citing the university’s refusal to comply with federal demands.