What the government did
On May 22, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—under President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem—took away Harvard’s authorization to enroll any new international students. DHS says Harvard failed to stop campus “violence, antisemitism, and pro-terrorist conduct,” and even alleged the school was collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party ReutersRepublic World.
How it affects students
- New applicants: Harvard can no longer issue the I-20 form that foreign students need to get an F-1 visa. Anyone hoping to start at Harvard in fall 2025 must defer, pick another university, or wait until Harvard’s certification is restored ReutersTime.
- Current students: The ban applies to the 2025–26 academic year. Roughly 6,800 international students already at Harvard have 72 hours to transfer to another certified school or risk losing their legal status in the U.S. TimeRepublic World.
Impact on Indian students
India sends between 500–800 new students to Harvard each year and has about 788 enrolled right now. If Harvard can’t fix the DHS concerns quickly, hundreds of Indian scholars will have to scramble for alternatives—moving to other campuses, delaying their studies, or pausing research and internships Republic WorldRepublic World.
What comes next
Harvard has already sued the government, calling the move unconstitutional and illegal. The school is seeking a court order to reinstate its ability to enroll and support its international community. Until the courts decide—and/or Harvard meets DHS’s demands—the ban remains in effect for new and continuing students alike
