Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Right to Enroll International Students, Including Nigerians
In a sweeping move on Thursday, the Trump-led U.S. administration revoked Harvard University’s authority to admit international students, including Nigerians.
According to CNN, the unprecedented action intensifies an ongoing standoff between the federal government and the Ivy League institution over compliance with immigration regulations.
“Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or risk losing their legal immigration status,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in an official statement.
The move follows a directive issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who ordered the termination of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The department had previously demanded that Harvard submit detailed records of alleged “illegal and violent activities” involving international students by April 30 or face decertification.
The decision is expected to have a wide-reaching impact, particularly on Harvard’s international population, which currently includes 9,970 individuals. Of these, 6,793 are enrolled as students for the 2024–2025 academic year, representing 27.2% of the total student body.
Harvard has denounced the federal government’s action as unlawful and retaliatory. In a statement issued Thursday, university spokesperson Jason Newton stated:
“We are working swiftly to provide guidance and support to our international students. This retaliatory move threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and to the country at large. It also undermines our academic and research mission.”
