The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has issued a stark ultimatum to Harvard University: provide comprehensive records on the “illegal and violent activities” of its foreign student visa holders by April 30, 2025, or lose the ability to enroll international students. The demand, announced on April 16, 2025, marks a dramatic escalation in the Trump administration’s crackdown on elite universities.
This threat accompanies the DHS’s cancellation of two grants to Harvard worth over $2.7 million, part of President Donald Trump’s broader freeze of $2.2 billion in federal funding to the Ivy League institution. The administration has accused Harvard of promoting “radical ideology,” citing issues like antisemitism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and pro-Palestinian protests.
For Harvard, the potential loss of its foreign student program is a grave concern. International students, who make up a significant portion of its diverse student body, contribute substantially to the university’s academic and financial vitality. Revoking this privilege could disrupt Harvard’s global reputation and revenue streams, even with its $50 billion endowment.
Harvard responded defiantly, pledging to comply with legal obligations while refusing to compromise its autonomy. “We will not surrender our independence or relinquish our constitutional rights,” a university spokesperson stated, hinting at a possible legal battle.
The DHS’s demands are part of a wider Trump administration campaign targeting universities like Columbia and Princeton, with a focus on reshaping higher education to align with its ideological priorities. The requirement for visa holder data raises concerns about privacy, academic freedom, and the chilling effect on international students, who may face heightened scrutiny.
As the April 30 deadline looms, Harvard faces a high-stakes decision: comply with the administration’s demands or risk losing a cornerstone of its global identity. The outcome could set a precedent for how far the federal government can go in leveraging visa policies to influence university operations.
Source: University Herald / Digpu NewsTex