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Crisis at Harvard: Foreign Students Banned Amid National Security Claims

Harvard University, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, has found itself at the heart of an unprecedented political and legal conflict with the administration of President Donald Trump. A decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  to revoke certification for the “Student and Exchange Visitor Program” (SEVP) means that the university can no longer admit new international students. At the same time, President Trump has suspended—for an initial period of six months—the entry of foreigners wishing to study or participate in academic exchange programs at Harvard. This decision is to be implemented immediately, with the suspension period subject to extension.

Moreover, current international students may be forced to transfer or leave the country, threatening the legal status of up to 6,800 individuals—about 27% of Harvard’s academic community.

The administration justifies its actions with national security concerns, citing “Harvard’s extensive ties to foreign adversaries” and accusing the university of “promoting radicalism and collaborating with foreign governments, including China.” The presidential decree refers to FBI warnings about foreign nations exploiting the U.S. higher education system to steal technology, conduct espionage, and spread disinformation.

Accusations and Harvard’s Response

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of “promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.” As part of emergency measures, the federal government demanded personal data on foreign students participating in campus protests—within 72 hours.

In response, Harvard President Professor Alan Garber strongly condemned the federal government’s actions, calling them “unlawful, politically motivated, and in violation of the U.S. Constitution.” He emphasized that international students are a cornerstone of the university’s mission as a global center of knowledge, diversity, and dialogue. Consequently, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to protect its students.

According to data from fall of the previous year, around 20% of Harvard’s international students come from China, 11% from India, 4% each from South Korea and the United Kingdom, with the remaining students representing nearly every corner of the world—from Latin America to Africa and the Middle East. This diversity has long driven innovation, interdisciplinary projects, and international academic cooperation.

Faculty Exodus

The crisis affects not only students but also faculty, who have begun leaving Harvard. Among the most notable cases is Professor Charles M. Lieber, former head of the chemistry department, who, after being convicted for concealing ties to China, took up a prestigious post at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School. Similarly, Professor Shing-Tung Yau—renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist—left in 2022 to establish a research center at Tsinghua University.

Professor John Quelch, a respected expert in management and public health, also assumed the role of vice chancellor at Duke Kunshan University in China in 2023. These departures are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend—growing appeal of Asian universities, which offer better financial conditions and greater academic freedom in contrast to the increasingly politicized environment in the United States.

Legacy and Prestige at Risk

Harvard, a cradle of global leadership for nearly 400 years, now faces a profound identity crisis. Among its alumni are leaders such as:

  • Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Prime Minister of Greece),
  • Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland),
  • Maia Sandu (President of Moldova),
  • Lawrence Wong (Prime Minister of Singapore), 
  • Mark Carney (Prime Minister of Canada).

Current U.S. policy on higher education may hinder the university’s ability to train future leaders. The loss of international students, faculty departures, and reputational damage are weakening not only Harvard but also the U.S.’s standing as a global hub of innovation and academic values.

Is there a chance for EU?

China, India, and European academic institutions are benefiting from this crisis, attracting top-tier scholars and students who previously chose the U.S. This shift could lead to a lasting realignment of power in global science and education. America’s soft power—rooted in education and culture—may be significantly eroded.

In the face of a deepening crisis, Harvard has taken legal action against the DHS decision, citing constitutional guarantees of academic autonomy and the right to education. The university is also considering the creation of satellite campuses outside the U.S.—in Canada and Europe—to circumvent federal restrictions and continue its mission.

Meanwhile, lobbying efforts are underway in Congress to restore previous entry and residence policies for international students and to protect U.S. higher education from further politicization.

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