Why in News?

A US federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, just a day after the policy was announced.

Harvard called the Trump administration’s decision unconstitutional and warned of its severe impact on the university and its global student body. The conflict began when Harvard refused the administration’s demands to alter its hiring, admissions, and curriculum policies.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SVEP)
• Revocation of Harvard’s SEVP Certification: Reasons and Allegations
• Impact on Harvard’s International Students
• Impact on Harvard University
• Why the Trump Administration Is Targeting Harvard and Other Elite Universities

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SVEP)

• SEVP certification, issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allows educational institutions to enroll international students holding F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas.
  • The F-1 visa is for students attending accredited U.S. colleges or universities, or studying English at an accredited institute.
  • The M-1 visa is for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational programs.
  • The J-1 visa is for exchange visitors participating in educational and cultural exchange programs.
• Without SEVP certification, institutions cannot issue Form I-20 — a crucial document required for international students to obtain and maintain legal student status in the U.S.

Revocation of Harvard’s SEVP Certification: Reasons and Allegations

• Allegations by the DHS
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Harvard of:
    • Creating an “unsafe” environment for Jewish students
    • Promoting “pro-Hamas sympathies”
    • Implementing “racial” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies
    • Allegedly coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party
• Official Statement by DHS
• As per the Homeland Security, enrolling international students is “a privilege, not a right”.
• Harvard lost its SEVP certification for “failing to adhere to the law.”
• Conditions for Reinstatement
  • DHS gave Harvard 72 hours to comply with six conditions, demanding:
    • Records of illegal, violent, or threatening activity by non-immigrant students over the past five years
    • Evidence of any deprivation of rights involving non-immigrant students
    • Disciplinary records of all non-immigrant students
    • Audio/video footage of protest activity involving non-immigrant students
  • These demands aim to assess Harvard’s compliance with federal regulations regarding campus safety and foreign student oversight.

Impact on Harvard’s International Students

• Students Currently Affected
  • The decision impacts 6,793 international students currently enrolled at Harvard.
  • If the restraining order is lifted, these students may be forced to transfer to other U.S. institutions or leave the country.
• Visa and Departure Rules
  • F-1 visa holders typically have a 60-day grace period after completing their studies.
  • J-1 visa holders are granted 30 days.
  • If student status is terminated due to a violation, departure may be required immediately.
• Uncertainty Around Grace Period
  • It is unclear how much time DHS would allow Harvard students to transition. Experts believe those graduating soon may be granted some leeway.
• Future Admissions Blocked
  • With SEVP certification revoked, DHS may deny visas to students intending to enroll at Harvard, effectively halting new international admissions.

Impact on Harvard University

• Major Financial Loss
  • International students are a key revenue source for Harvard, paying higher tuition and fees without federal aid.
  • For the 2024–25 academic year, each student contributes approximately $82,866.
  • With 6,793 international students, the estimated annual revenue from them is around $562 million.
• Growing International Presence
  • Over the last four years, the number of international students at Harvard has grown by 26.75%.
  • As of September 2024, students came from 146 countries, with China, Canada, and India accounting for 40% of the total international student population.
• Broader Economic Impact
  • Beyond Harvard, international students significantly benefit the U.S. economy.
  • As per a report, in 2023–24, they contributed approximately $43.8 billion through tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Why the Trump Administration Is Targeting Harvard and Other Elite Universities

• Executive Order on Campus Free Speech
  • In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order on campus free speech — which he deemed a “historic action to defend American students and American values” that have “been under siege” on campuses.
• Campus Protests as a Trigger
  • The order followed nationwide student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which the administration claimed led to harassment of Jewish students, prompting federal intervention.
• Long-Standing Conservative Grievances
  • The administration’s actions also stem from deeper ideological tensions.
  • For decades, conservatives have accused elite universities of:
    • Promoting liberal bias and marginalising conservative voices
    • Overemphasising diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
    • Acting as strongholds of “wokeness” that conflict with traditional American values
• Wider Crackdown on Elite Institutions
  • Harvard is not alone. Other prestigious universities like Brown, Cornell, and Columbia have also faced scrutiny, reflecting a broader conservative effort to reshape higher education policies and culture.