DHS Head Kristi Noem Strips Harvard of Key Visa Program, Citing Pro-Hamas Sympathies and Law Violations

Kristi Noem is making headlines—and history—after announcing that Harvard University is officially banned from enrolling foreign students for the 2025–2026 school year. As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem dropped a federal bombshell on the Ivy League powerhouse, revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

According to Noem, Harvard fostered an environment that tolerated antisemitism, campus violence, and even alleged ties with the Chinese Communist Party. The DHS cited the university’s failure to comply with multiple federal requests for records involving misconduct by nonimmigrant students, as well as a refusal to turn over documentation tied to threats, violence, and campus protests.

The move means Harvard can no longer host students on F-1 or J-1 visas, a decision that impacts thousands of international students and raises serious questions about the school’s handling of federal regulations and campus safety. Existing international students will have to transfer to other institutions to maintain their legal immigration status.

Noem’s letter accused Harvard of pushing pro-Hamas rhetoric, neglecting safety concerns, and hiding behind “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies instead of following the law. The DHS is demanding Harvard hand over five years’ worth of records on foreign student activity—within 72 hours—if the school wants a shot at getting its SEVP status back.

The decision comes as part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on what it describes as antisemitism and foreign interference on American college campuses.

Harvard, known for its global appeal and multibillion-dollar endowment, now faces a major stain on its reputation—and a federal message that prestige doesn’t equal a pass on accountability.