The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States issued a warning on Wednesday (April 16th) that if Harvard University fails to provide records of non-immigrant visa students as requested by the government, it will lose its eligibility to enroll foreign students.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that a letter has been sent to Harvard, requesting the submission of records of “illegal and violent activities” of non-immigrant visa holders by April 30th. Additionally, the department has terminated two grants totaling over $2.7 million that were provided to the university.
In a statement, Noem said, “If Harvard University cannot prove its full compliance with reporting obligations, it will lose the right to enroll foreign students.”
A spokesperson for Harvard responded, acknowledging the letter and emphasizing that the university will not give up its independence and constitutional rights, while also pledging to act in accordance with the law.
Considering the recent pro-Palestinian protests that have shaken several universities in the United States, the Trump administration has been pressuring multiple American universities, including Harvard, alleging that some protesters have anti-Semitic tendencies and support Hamas.
The government has also revoked numerous non-immigrant student visas and started deporting foreign individuals who participated in protests.
The Trump administration stated that Harvard has a $53.2 billion endowment fund and should bear the consequences on its own. Harvard, on the other hand, stated that the university is committed to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice while upholding academic freedom and the right to protest.
Last month, the Trump administration announced that it is reviewing approximately $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University. They have requested the implementation of various policies, including banning protesters from wearing masks and canceling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses. Harvard University refused these demands this week, leading the Trump administration to freeze $2.3 billion in grants.
On Tuesday, Trump further warned that Harvard’s tax-exempt status could be revoked. According to CNN reports on Wednesday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, with the final decision expected to be announced soon.
Harvard responded, stating that this action lacks legal basis, will undermine student financial aid, and force the termination of certain medical research projects.
The Trump administration has also frozen or canceled funding for Columbia University, Princeton University, Brown University, Cornell University, and Northwestern University.