US judge extends order blocking Trump administration ban on foreign students at Harvard

What’s in the DHS letter?

In a letter dated May 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The agency accused Harvard of creating an “unsafe” environment for Jewish students, promoting “pro-Hamas sympathies,” and implementing “racial” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also alleged that the university had connections to the Chinese Communist Party. The letter gave Harvard 72 hours to meet six conditions, which included turning over records of any illegal or threatening activity by non-immigrant students and protest-related footage from the last five years.

What does it mean for Harvard?

International students currently make up about 31 per cent of Harvard’s student population. Losing SEVP certification means the university is barred from enrolling new international students or issuing I-20 forms, which are required to apply for student visas.

The move threatens Harvard’s academic diversity and financial resources. Thousands of international students could be affected, particularly incoming students who now face legal uncertainty around enrollment. Although a court has temporarily blocked the DHS order, unless Harvard regains SEVP approval or students transfer to other certified institutions, they may not be able to legally study in the US.