The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warns Harvard that if they fail to meet federal government requests for visa-related information, they may lose their right to register international students. The move shows a sharp escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to put pressure on US universities amid ongoing Palestinian protests.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem announced on Wednesday the cancellation of two DHS grants, more than $2.7 million. In a letter to the university, the NOEM requested records by April 30 regarding what it described as “illegal and violent activities” by foreign students on campus.
“If Harvard cannot ensure that it fully complies with its reporting obligations, it will lose the privilege of registering foreign students,” Noem said.
A Harvard spokesman confirmed the letter and repeated the university's previous statements. It stated that it would comply with the law, but would not “waive any independence or constitutional rights.”
This development comes as part of a broader crackdown by former President Donald Trump's administration on universities related to protests against Israeli military actions in Gaza. The administration has denounced demonstrators, some of whom are international students, who support extremist ideology. Protesters, including a group of Jewish students, say their actions are aimed at defending Palestinian rights in Gaza and condemning violence in Gaza rather than promoting anti-Semitism.
The administration reportedly has revoked hundreds of student visas and is pursuing a case of deportation of foreign students involved in the protest. Trump has also proposed to remove Harvard's tax-free status. The IRS is considering the proposal, but claims Harvard is legally unfair and harmful to financial aid programs and medical research, according to CNN.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has frozen $2.3 billion in federal funds from Harvard University, and has rethinked another $9 billion. It also targets other US universities, such as Columbia, Princeton and Cornell, for similar concerns, particularly diversity and inclusion programs and student activities.
Critics, including human rights groups, warn that crackdowns pose serious threats to academic and freedom of speech. They also raise concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment promoted by government rhetoric during the Israel-Gaza War.
Harvard claims it continues to fight all forms of discrimination, protecting students' rights to express objections.
