The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, intensifying its conflict with the Ivy League institution. The move requires thousands of current international students to either transfer to other schools or leave the United States.
Harvard has since sued the Trump administration. In a lawsuit filed on Friday (May 23) in a federal court in Boston, Harvard said the government’s action violates the First Amendment and will have an “immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.”
The Department of Homeland Security announced the decision on Thursday, May 22, accusing Harvard of fostering an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to harass Jewish students. The department also alleged that Harvard collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party, claiming that the university hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.
Harvard University is pushing back against the administration’s decision, labelling it an unconstitutional act of retaliation for resisting political pressure from the White House.
Meanwhile, international students and scholars at Harvard can refer to the US Immigration FAQs for guidance on policies, visa concerns, and residency matters.
1. Can Harvard help me find an immigration attorney?
Yes. The Harvard Representation Initiative (HRI) offers free legal consultations, referrals, and in some cases, representation. Contact: hri@law.harvard.edu.
2. Who should I contact if I have an immigration emergency?
- During business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Eastern): Contact your HIO advisor, email internationaloffice@harvard.edu, or attend virtual on-call advising hours before making travel plans or departing the US.
- After hours: For urgent immigration or visa-related emergencies when Harvard offices are closed, call the HIO emergency line at +1-857-302-3772. This number is reserved for emergencies requiring immediate attention.
3. What documents should I carry while travelling within US?
Carry digital or printed copies of your travel documents when travelling within the US, and all original documents when travelling internationally. See Harvard’s travel guidance for more details.
4. Can I travel abroad?
Travel decisions are personal and should be made with careful consideration. If you plan to travel outside the US, Harvard advises you to assess potential risks, prepare contingency plans, and consider how a delayed return might impact your ability to resume on-campus research, work, or study. Also, given the uncertainty of the current environment, Harvard encourages flexibility in your travel planning.
- International students and scholars on Harvard-sponsored visas should consult their HIO advisor before making any international travel plans.
- Foreign nationals not on a Harvard-sponsored visa are advised to consult with the HRI to discuss their individual circumstances before departure.
For questions related to safety, health, cultural considerations, or outbound immigration for Harvard-related travel, contact Global Support Services (GSS). GSS supports all students, faculty, staff, and researchers and can assist with international travel registration, International SOS, pre-departure requirements, and other travel resources.
5. What happens if I’m detained upon re-entry to the US? Can my devices be searched?
International travellers may be subject to increased scrutiny and enhanced screening at US ports of entry. The US government has broad authority to search electronic devices at the border. Please review the Office of General Counsel’s guidance on border security and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research’s US arrival guidance for foreign students and exchange visitors.
If you are taken into secondary inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you will not have access to your phone or computer during that time. To prepare:
- Share your travel itinerary, including flight and arrival details, with a trusted contact.
- Let them know you will confirm your arrival after clearing CBP.
- Provide them with HIO’s contact information, in case they do not hear from you within a reasonable time after your flight lands.
6. What if I encounter immigration agents off campus?
You are not required to answer questions or sign documents. You may leave unless detained. You can refuse searches unless agents suspect you have a weapon. You are not obligated to disclose your immigration status or show ID from your home country.7. Can immigration authorities access campus?
Under longstanding policy, Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) expects US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to check in with HUPD and present a valid judicial warrant before conducting any enforcement actions on campus. HUPD complies only with valid judicial warrants.
8. Can ICE agents enter dorms or on-campus residences?
ICE must have a valid judicial warrant or your permission to enter. You may keep the door closed and ask to see the warrant. If they have one, request they slide it under the door. Contact HUPD and the Office of General Counsel (OGC) before allowing entry. Do not sign any documents without legal advice.
9. What should community members do if they see ICE agents on campus?
Immediately contact HUPD at 617-495-1215. For more information, refer to the Harvard Immigrant and Refugee Program FAQ.
10. Does Harvard share personal information with immigration authorities?
Harvard only shares personal data when legally required, such as through a subpoena or warrant. Affected individuals will be notified unless prohibited by law.
11. How many Harvard students have had their visas terminated?
In April 2025, 12 international students and recent graduates had their F-1 visas terminated. As of April 26, all have had their status reinstated. Harvard monitors SEVIS records daily and notifies affected individuals, referring them to legal support. The university does not disclose identities to protect privacy.
12. Does HUPD cooperate with ICE?
HUPD does not inquire about immigration status or enforce immigration laws. ICE must coordinate with HUPD and present a warrant for campus activity.
Also Read: How Harvard became ground zero in Trump’s war on elite universities | A timeline
