The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has threatened to revoke Harvard University's certification to enroll international students if the institution fails to comply with federal demands.  Specifically, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has ordered Harvard to submit records concerning alleged "illegal and violent activities" by international students by April 30, 2025.  Failure to comply could result in the loss of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for enrolling students on F-1 and J-1 visas  .

This development is part of a broader conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University.  The administration has already frozen over $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard and is threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status, citing concerns over the university's handling of antisemitism and campus protests  .

In response to these threats, Harvard has allowed incoming international students to accept offers from both Harvard and non-U.S. institutions, providing them with alternative options amid the uncertainty  . The university has also filed a lawsuit challenging the federal funding freeze, arguing that the administration's actions violate constitutional protections for academic freedom and free speech  .

As of now, it remains unclear whether Harvard has complied with the DHS's demands or if the SEVP certification has been formally revoked.  The situation continues to evolve, with significant implications for the university's international student community and its broader operations.