Trump's Crackdown on Harvard Sends Shockwaves Through Higher Education

The Trump administration’s abrupt move to revoke Harvard University’s certification to enroll international students has sent alarm across the higher education landscape, raising concerns that similar actions could target other institutions next.

College leaders nationwide expressed alarm that one federal order could suddenly disrupt international enrollment — a cornerstone of many universities’ academic strength and financial stability. “This is a grave moment,” wrote Sally Kornbluth, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Wendy Hensel, president of the University of Hawaii, described the situation as “reverberating across higher education.”

The Department of Homeland Security said Harvard lost access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program for failing to comply with federal demands, including turning over records related to student protests going back five years.

To many, the decision reflects a growing willingness by President Trump to use immigration status as leverage over universities, especially those viewed as bastions of liberal ideology or diversity initiatives. Trump has already launched investigations, frozen grants, and attempted to deport foreign students this year — all under the stated goal of curbing antisemitism on campuses.

“While Harvard is the victim of the moment, this is a warning shot,” said John Aubrey Douglass, a senior fellow at UC Berkeley. “It’s an unprecedented attempt by a hostile federal government to erode university autonomy.”

Though a federal judge temporarily blocked the order on Friday, the move itself could deter prospective international students, already wary of political instability in the U.S.

A Chilling Message for Global Talent

International students make up over one million of those enrolled in U.S. colleges — more than double the number in 2000. At elite institutions, their share is much higher: over 30% at NYU, 40% at Columbia, and roughly 25% at Harvard.

These students enrich academic environments, contribute to research, and often remain in the U.S. to work, supporting the economy. Yet some conservative critics argue their presence limits opportunities for American students. “More spots are going to foreigners, fewer to Americans,” said Jay P. Greene of the Heritage Foundation.

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, defended the revocation, citing safety concerns, especially for Jewish students. She alleged that foreign students participated in recent campus protests involving harassment and violence. “Let this serve as a warning to all universities,” she said.

Still, students like Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard sophomore from Pakistan, say the damage is done. “They wanted us to feel unwelcome,” he said. “They’ve done a pretty good job of that.”

Wider Implications for U.S. Education

Niall Hegarty, a professor at St. John’s University, noted that while international enrollment grew quickly in the early 2000s, it has slowed amid rising hostility. “These students bring global perspective and help U.S. companies operate internationally,” he said.

While some public institutions like the University of California increased international enrollment to offset state budget cuts, elite schools such as Harvard offer need-based aid regardless of nationality. It’s unclear how much revenue international students generate at these schools.

Still, Homeland Security Secretary Noem accused universities of padding their endowments by favoring foreign students. And critics like Greene say that when international enrollment grows too large, it can “dilute American values” on campus.

For some students and education consultants, the message is clear. “This tells the world that Harvard — and by extension the U.S. — may no longer welcome top international talent,” said college admissions counselor Hafeez Lakhani. He added that while this may open doors for domestic applicants, it could hurt the global prestige of American higher education.