President Donald Trump has issued an executive order barring Harvard University from admitting international students for the upcoming academic year, citing national security and economic concerns.
The directive, confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security, also mandates that current foreign students at Harvard transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal immigration status.
“This means Harvard can no longer enrol foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” DHS said in a statement.
The move deals a significant blow to the Ivy League institution, which has long been a global magnet for top academic talent. International students make up about 27 percent of Harvard’s population—around 6,800 students—representing more than 150 countries.
The order comes amid broader nationalist policies from the Trump administration, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with the president pledging to “put Americans first” in education and jobs.
Critics, however, warn that the ban will harm America’s reputation as a global academic leader and push top talent toward countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia.
“International students bring diversity, innovation, and funding,” said Dr. Alicia Reynolds of the American Council on Education. “This decision undermines the core of what makes U.S. higher education strong.”
Harvard has yet to issue a formal response, though sources within the institution suggest legal action may be likely. In 2020, the university successfully sued the Trump administration over a similar policy.
Harvard tuition is set at $59,320 for the coming year, with total costs nearing $87,000 when room and board are included—figures that place additional pressure on international students now uncertain of their futures.
Student unions and alumni groups are reportedly mobilizing to challenge the policy.
“This is an attack on academic freedom and global cooperation,” said Sofia Mendoza, a Colombian doctoral student at Harvard. “We came here to learn and contribute—not to be used as political pawns.”
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