US Revokes Harvard’s Student Visa Certification, Citing Non-Compliance; University Calls Move ‘Unlawful Retaliation’
Cambridge, MA | May 23, 2025 — In an unprecedented move that has rocked the American academic community, the United States federal government on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively stripping the institution of its authority to sponsor F-1 and J-1 visas for international students and scholars for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year.
The decision, announced by federal authorities, immediately impacts thousands of students and researchers at Harvard and has raised alarm across the global education sector.
Harvard Responds: 'Unlawful and Unwarranted'
In a sharply worded letter to the Harvard community, Interim President Alan M. Garber condemned the government’s action, calling it a “retaliatory attack” on the university’s academic independence.
“This move imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars and serves as a warning to countless others who have come to America to pursue their education,” Garber wrote.
“We have just filed a complaint, and a motion for a temporary restraining order will follow,” he added, promising to pursue legal remedies and offer full support to affected members of the Harvard community.
Background: Tensions Over Academic Autonomy
While the federal government cited Harvard’s alleged non-compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) information requests, the university insists it fully complied with all legal obligations. Harvard alleges that the visa certification revocation is part of a broader campaign to exert federal control over university operations, including curriculum, faculty choices, and admissions decisions.
The dispute appears to be the latest flashpoint in a series of confrontations between elite academic institutions and political authorities over matters such as diversity policies, foreign influence, and academic freedom.
Immediate Impact on International Students and Scholars
The revocation bars Harvard from sponsoring new or renewing existing F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas, both of which are essential for enrolling international students and hosting global scholars.
“You are vital members of our community… our classmates, colleagues, and mentors,” Garber told affected individuals, stressing that Harvard remains committed to keeping its doors open to the world.
The Harvard International Office has announced it will provide regular updates and guidance to students and faculty impacted by the decision.
National and Global Reaction
The federal government’s action is likely to spark widespread criticism from academia and international organizations. Legal experts have already questioned the legality of the revocation, especially if, as Harvard claims, it had responded to all DHS inquiries.
“This is a significant escalation,” said a policy analyst at the American Council on Education.
“It sets a dangerous precedent where visa privileges are tied to compliance with vague or politically motivated demands.”
Global reactions are expected in the coming days, particularly from countries that send large numbers of students to the United States. International students contribute over $40 billion annually to the US economy, and Harvard is among the top destinations for global talent.
Legal Battle Ahead
Harvard’s legal team has already filed a formal complaint in federal court and is seeking a temporary restraining order to halt implementation of the visa revocation. If successful, the court could issue an injunction preventing the government from enforcing the decision while litigation proceeds.
“We are confident that the courts will recognize this action for what it is — unlawful and unjustified,” a university spokesperson said Friday.
What Comes Next?
While legal proceedings may take weeks or months to unfold, the immediate concern is the uncertainty facing international students scheduled to begin or continue studies at Harvard this fall. Other universities may also come under scrutiny if the government’s actions are part of a broader policy shift.
Harvard, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its stance: it will defend academic freedom, support its community, and resist efforts it sees as infringing on its institutional independence.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for the latest updates on this developing story.
