By Newspot Nigeria Editorial Desk
In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively banning the Ivy League institution from enrolling foreign students. This decision, signed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, comes amid a sweeping federal crackdown on what officials described as pro-terrorist activities, antisemitic harassment, and coordination with hostile foreign powers on Harvard’s campus.
Effective immediately, Harvard is prohibited from admitting new international students. Current foreign enrollees must transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal immigration status.
According to DHS, Harvard “fostered violence, antisemitism, and pro-terrorist conduct,” citing campus incidents where Jewish students were allegedly harassed, assaulted, and silenced in public forums. In one instance, a Jewish student’s story about his Holocaust-survivor grandfather was labeled “not tasteful” and mocked by event organizers. Harvard was further accused of shielding pro-Hamas student organizations that continued to receive funding even after the October 7 attacks on Israel.
“Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused,” said Secretary Noem. “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
The decision also highlights a deeper web of alleged foreign influence and national security concerns. DHS reports that Harvard has hosted and trained members of China’s Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a paramilitary group sanctioned for its role in the Uyghur genocide. Collaborations reportedly continued even after XPCC’s 2020 designation as a restricted entity by the U.S. Treasury.
Other alarming findings include:
- A 55% spike in crime on campus between 2022 and 2023, including a 295% rise in aggravated assaults and a 560% increase in robberies.
- $151 million in funding received from foreign governments since 2020.
- Joint research initiatives with Chinese academics linked to Iran and China’s defense sector, including robotics and optics research funded by U.S. defense grants.
In April 2025, Secretary Noem formally requested details from Harvard on foreign students involved in misconduct. After what DHS described as Harvard’s “brazen refusal” to comply, the department moved forward with decertification.
Harvard, once seen as a gold standard for higher education, now faces a major reputational crisis. The loss of SEVP certification is a significant blow, as international students pay premium tuition and contribute billions annually to U.S. higher education.
Newspot Nigeria will continue monitoring this developing story, especially its ripple effects on global academic mobility and U.S. immigration policy. Stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria for further updates.
