Trump admin threatens to withdraw Harvard from Student and Exchange Visitor Program
The Trump administration has issued a stern warning to Harvard University, threatening to remove the prestigious institution from the federal program that oversees student visas if it does not comply with a records request by the end of the month. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to a Harvard official demanding information related to potential “illegal” and “violent” activities of foreign exchange students, citing the administration’s crackdown on antisemitism in higher education.
In the letter, Noem emphasized that having foreign students at Harvard is a privilege, not a guarantee, and highlighted the institution’s reliance on funding from over 10,000 foreign students. She also criticized Harvard for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students by failing to condemn antisemitism.
Harvard recently announced its refusal to comply with demands from the Trump administration aimed at addressing antisemitism on campus, resulting in the White House freezing billions of dollars in grants and contracts. In response, Noem canceled two grants totaling $2.7 million and declared Harvard “unfit” to receive taxpayer money.
The DHS chief accused Harvard of bending to antisemitism, which she believes contributes to extremist riots and poses a threat to national security. She warned that the school’s certification from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) could be withdrawn if it fails to comply with the administration’s request by April 30.
SEVP, overseen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), manages F and M visas for foreign students enrolling in academic or vocational programs in the US. Noem demanded that Harvard provide information on student visa holders’ involvement in illegal or dangerous activities, threats to others, and maintenance of required coursework.
The letter also mentioned reports of the IRS considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a decision expected soon. Harvard, with a $52 billion endowment, relies heavily on endowment proceeds and federal funding to support its $6.4 billion operating budget. A change in tax-exempt status could significantly impact the university’s finances.
Harvard did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. The Trump administration’s actions against the university reflect its efforts to address antisemitism on college campuses and hold institutions accountable for their handling of such issues.
