New Delhi: The US government has taken a significant step by revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students through the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This program is crucial as it allows schools to admit international students and helps them with the visa application process.
This decision, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), places nearly 6,800 international students at Harvard in a precarious situation, including around 800 from India. Harvard reports that it typically has between 500 and 800 Indian students and scholars across its various academic departments each year. Currently, 788 Indian students are pursuing their studies at the prestigious university, largely in graduate programs. The administration’s action means these students may need to find another SEVP-certified institution if they wish to stay legally in the United States. If they fail to do so, they could face visa issues and possible deportation.
Many of these Indian students are enrolled in long-term doctoral or multi-year graduate programs, and switching schools mid-program could be quite challenging for them. The window for finding alternatives is quickly closing.
Reason for the Decision
In a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the government cited Harvard’s non-compliance with requests for information regarding its foreign students. The letter accused the university of failing to provide necessary disciplinary records and materials linked to campus protests, some of which reportedly expressed pro-Hamas views and criticized Israel. Noem also took aim at Harvard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, labeling them "racist" and "hostile to Jewish students."
“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and working with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem stated on social media.
The government has given Harvard a brief 72 hours to supply the requested information and fulfill other requirements to potentially regain its SEVP status.
Legal Implications
The Department of Homeland Security has the authority over student visas and oversees the SEVP. By revoking Harvard’s designation, the DHS is effectively preventing the university from legally hosting international students.
While there have been instances in the past where institutions lost their SEVP certification, such actions were typically based on serious administrative failings, like loss of accreditation or faculty issues. Experts suggest that this case against Harvard is unprecedented.
