Harvard's entire international student program hangs in the balance after DHS threatened to revoke its visa sponsorship privileges - a nuclear option that could decimate the university's global character and $200M+ in annual foreign tuition revenue unless compliance demands are met.

In an April 16 crackdown, DHS Secretary Noem threatened Harvard's international student program while axing $2.7M in grants - a dramatic escalation in federal oversight of elite universities that puts 5,000+ foreign scholars' status at risk.

In a public address, Noem stated that she had sent a letter to Harvard, requesting documentation by April 30 regarding what she characterized as “illegal and violent activities” carried out by foreign students.

“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem warned.

In response, a Harvard spokesperson reaffirmed the institution’s adherence to legal obligations but maintained that the university would not compromise its autonomy.

“We stand by our statement earlier in the week not to surrender our independence or relinquish our constitutional rights,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has intensified its stance on campus protests, portraying them as national security threats tied to foreign influence. Officials have characterized demonstrators as antisemitic and aligned with Hamas.

Protesters, including several Jewish student groups, strongly reject these claims. They assert that their activism is directed at the policies of the Israeli government and is rooted in the defense of Palestinian human rights—not in support of terrorism or antisemitism.

In response to the protests, the administration has moved to revoke hundreds of student visas and initiate deportation proceedings against foreign students involved, raising serious concerns about academic freedom and civil liberties across U.S. universities.