The Trump administration tried to cancel Harvard’s student visa program over antisemitism and China ties, but a federal judge halted the move within hours.
The Trump administration attempted to cancel Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The decision could have led to the expulsion of thousands of international students.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the move on Thursday. She accused Harvard of promoting antisemitism and collaborating with institutions linked to China.
Hours later, a federal judge issued a nationwide injunction.
This prevented the government from revoking international students’ legal status while a court case proceeds.
Homeland Security cited antisemitism and China ties to cancel Harvard visas.
In a formal announcement, Noem said Harvard’s leadership failed to provide data about criminal acts committed by foreign students.
She pointed to a surge in campus crime following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
This included a 295% rise in aggravated assaults and a spike in antisemitic incidents.
“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” she said in a statement.
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments.”
“Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused,” Noem went on. “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
Harvard condemned the cancellation, calling it unlawful
A Harvard spokesperson pushed back. They called the action ‘unlawful retaliation’ and reaffirming the university’s support for its diverse student body.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University — and this nation — immeasurably,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
The school said it would continue to support affected students and seek legal remedies to restore stability.
Judge blocks student deportations during case
Just hours after the announcement, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland issued a nationwide injunction.
The order bars immigration officials from detaining or deporting students solely based on their visa status.
The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by nearly two dozen affected students. Their SEVP status had been terminated without due process in April.
White, a George W. Bush appointee, said the government’s action likely violated students’ rights and merited immediate legal review.
The cancellation follows a series of government actions stripping Harvard of billions in research grants over controversial campus policies.
Last month, $2.7 million in grants were revoked, and the administration threatened to cancel an additional $2.2 billion if Harvard failed to comply with federal inquiries.
The school’s affirmative action policies and its handling of antisemitism complaints were also cited.
“Harvard refused to do the right thing,” Noem said. “Let this serve as a warning to all U.S. academic institutions.”
Harvard responded by filing multiple lawsuits against the Trump administration. They called the actions ‘politicallly motivate’ and harmful to academic freedom.
DHS cited a 55% crime rise at Harvard in 2023 to revoke the visa program
The Department of Homeland Security released data showing campus crime at Harvard rose sharply in 2023. This was the same year Hamas launched attacks on Israel.
The report claimed that Jewish students faced harassment from pro-Palestinian activists, raising national security concerns.
DHS described Harvard’s lack of response to federal queries as “brazen.” The agency accused the university of ignoring follow-up requests.
Previously, Noem sent a letter to Harvard’s immigration director demanding student criminal history records. The university allegedly ignored this request.