Harvard Blocks International Students: Trump Admin Revokes Certification

Harvard's International Student Enrollment Blocked by Trump Administration On May 22, 2025, the Trump administration unexpectedly blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students. This drastic measure resulted from the revocation of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. The decision affects thousands of students worldwide who had been accepted into Harvard for the upcoming fall semester. The incident highlights the complex interplay between politics and higher education, impacting both prospective and current international students. According to the video by Ivy League Roadmap, a leading admissions advisor, the decision stems from Harvard's refusal to comply with President Trump's demands. "Harvard has now been removed from the Student Exchange Visitor Program," the advisor explains, emphasizing the program's crucial role in obtaining student visas. This action leaves Harvard with two main options: appeal the decision or allow students to attend online. The advisor's concern is palpable, particularly for those students who may not be able to have their visas renewed. The advisor's advice to prospective international students is simple yet crucial: "Apply widely. Make sure you have lots of options in the US, but also apply to schools outside the US as backup." This precautionary measure underscores the uncertainty and potential risks international students face when applying to US universities. The situation at Harvard serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of political influence on educational opportunities. The advisor's call for broader application strategies offers a pragmatic approach for international students navigating the complexities of the US higher education system.