Noem: Harvard international students ban a ‘warning’ to other universities

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the Trump administration’s recent ban on Harvard University enrolling international students should serve as a “warning” to other universities around the country.

Noem, who ordered DHS to take Harvard off the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification Thursday, was asked on Fox News if she can “foresee” or is “considering” taking similar action against other institutions where Jewish students have experienced antisemitism. 

“Absolutely. We are absolutely — this should be a warning to every other university to get your act together,” Noem told host Gillian Turner on Thursday. 

“Get your act together, because we are coming to make sure that these programs, that you are facilitating an environment where students can learn, where they’re safe, and that they’re not discriminated against based on their race or their religion,” the DHS chief added. 

With Harvard having been taken off SEVP, current international students will need to transfer to other colleges or “lose their legal status.”

“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem said in a statement Thursday. “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. 

There were 6,793 international undergraduate students at the Ivy League school during the 2024-25 academic year, making up 27.2 percent of the school’s student body, according to Harvard’s enrollment data. 

The Ivy League school has pushed back, saying DHS’s order was “unlawful.” 

“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University — and this nation — immeasurably,” a Harvard spokesperson told The Hill.

The spokesperson also noted the Massachusetts-based school is working “quickly” to provide support and guidance to members of their community. 

“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the spokesperson added.