Boston: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning to Harvard University, threatening to revoke its ability to host international students if the university fails to provide detailed records on certain international students. This demand comes amid accusations of antisemitism and extremist activities on campus.
According to Anadolu Agency, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Harvard's leadership, accusing it of fostering anti-American and pro-Hamas sentiments that she claims jeopardize national security. Noem has given Harvard a deadline of April 30 to comply by sharing records of foreign student visa holders involved in illegal and violent activities. Failure to do so could result in the immediate loss of the university's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for issuing visa-related documents to international students.
Harvard, which currently enrolls 6,793 international students-constituting 27.2% of its student body for the 2024-25 academic year-faces significant pressure as this certification is crucial for maintaining its international student population. This warning follows the Trump administration's decision to withdraw over $2.2 billion in federal funding from Harvard, citing its refusal to implement mandated policy reforms, including the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and restricting admissions of students perceived as hostile to American values.
In defending the funding cut, the administration emphasized the need for universities to uphold civil rights laws and prevent harassment of Jewish students. However, specific instances of such harassment were not cited. Additionally, President Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, further escalating tensions.
The administration's actions are part of a broader crackdown, including the revocation of visas for more than 525 students, faculty, and researchers across over 80 US institutions. The offenses cited range from alleged support for terror organizations to past misdemeanors. Among those affected was Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, arrested for his role in organizing pro-Palestine demonstrations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that such activism could harm the Middle East peace process by promoting antisemitic sentiments. Mahdawi, who received permanent residency in 2015, has become a focal point in this ongoing controversy.