DHS threatens to ban Harvard from hosting international students unless school turns over records

Universities can only host international students if they are certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Published: April 17, 2025 8:00am

The Department of Homeland Security is threatening to revoke Harvard University's "privilege" to host international students unless the school hands over disciplinary records and protest information about international students.

Harvard received a letter Wednesday from DHS that was signed by agency Secretary Kristi Noem who accused the school of creating a “hostile learning environment” for Jewish students, according to The Harvard Crimson newspaper.

“It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee,” the letter signed by Noem reads.

Universities can only host international students if they are certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

The letter sent to the school demanded information about visa holders’ “known threats to other students or university personnel,” or its eligibility to host international students would be revoked. 

Harvard spokesperson Sarah E. Kennedy O’Reilly said she was aware of this letter, but the school “will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”

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