The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a significant escalation in its actions against Harvard University, with Secretary Kristi Noem issuing a “Notice of Intent to Withdraw” the university’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.
The move threatens Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students and comes amidst allegations of the university fostering antisemitism, enabling on-campus violence, improper coordination with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, and persistent non-compliance with federal regulations.
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The formal notice, dated May 28, 2025, and delivered to Harvard official Maureen Martin, details several compliance issues, each deemed sufficient on its own to warrant withdrawal. These include: “Failure to Comply with Reporting Requirements under 8 C.F.R. § 214.3(g)”; “Failure to Maintain a Campus Environment Free from Violence and Antisemitism”; and “Practices with Foreign Entities Raising National Security Concerns.”
Secretary Noem stated that the Trump Administration is committed to holding the institution accountable.
“Harvard’s refusal to comply with SEVP oversight was the latest evidence that it disdains the American people and takes for granted U.S. taxpayer benefits,” said Secretary Noem. “Following our letter to Harvard, the school attempted to claim it now wishes to comply with SEVP standards. We continue to reject Harvard’s repeated pattern of endangering its students and spreading American hate—it must change its ways in order to participate in American programs.”
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The DHS action follows a series of communications where the Department found Harvard’s responses to information requests unsatisfactory. On April 16, 2025, DHS sought data from Harvard regarding students involved in criminal activity, threatening behavior, or violent acts.
Harvard’s initial response on April 30 was deemed insufficient. Despite a further opportunity to provide a complete response by May 14, Harvard’s supplemental information, which identified only one F-1 student as having engaged in conduct responsive to DHS’s request, was also found lacking.
The “Notice of Intent to Withdraw” gives Harvard University 30 calendar days to respond with evidence to rebut the alleged grounds for withdrawal. Failure to respond adequately within the timeframe will result in the withdrawal of the school’s SEVP certification and will bar an appeal.
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This withdrawal would prohibit Harvard from enrolling or educating any further nonimmigrant students. Harvard University has been SEVP certified to enroll nonimmigrant students for over 70 years.
The Department of Homeland Security said that “The Trump Administration will be relentless in its efforts to end Harvard’s abuse of the American taxpayer and national security interests.” However, the Department also stated it “will continue to engage in good faith with Harvard and looks forward to the University’s full compliance with its requests.”
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