This laid the groundwork for the more confrontational actions seen in Trump’s second term.
In a federal action against elite universities, Harvard University’s SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification was revoked on May 22, 2025. The move by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) left around 6,800 international students, including at least 788 from India, scrambling to secure their immigration status or face deportation.Below is a timeline of key developments leading up to the revocation of SEVP.
December 5, 2023: Harvard President Testifies Before Congress
Then-Harvard President Claudine Gay testifies before Congress on rising antisemitism on campuses. Her responses draw sharp criticism across party lines. Her refusal to directly state whether calls for genocide against Jews would violate Harvard’s policies becomes a flashpoint in public discourse.
January 2, 2024: Claudine Gay Resigns
Amid mounting backlash, Gay resigns from her position. However, her departure does little to stem political attacks on Harvard. The university remains a target in ongoing congressional inquiries and media scrutiny.
March 7, 2025: Columbia Funding Cut — Calls to Target Harvard
The US Department of Education announces a full funding freeze on Columbia University, citing a “failure to protect Jewish students” and “non-compliance with federal civil rights laws.”
That same day, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem publicly demanded similar action against Harvard. Writing on X, she said: “Harvard fosters violence against Jewish students while coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party. It should not receive a single dollar of federal taxpayer money.”April 11, 2025: Department of Education Issues ‘Show Cause’ Notice
The Department of Education sends Harvard a formal letter demanding it “show cause” why it should continue receiving over $2.2 billion in federal research and student aid funding. The letter cites concerns over antisemitism, DEI programs, and alleged lack of institutional neutrality.
April 15, 2025: Harvard Responds
Harvard submits a detailed legal response defending its conduct and DEI programs. The university maintains it is in compliance with federal law and asserts its First Amendment rights to academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
April 16, 2025: Funding Frozen
The very next day, Education Secretary Steve Bannon rejects Harvard’s response as “insufficient” and announces an immediate freeze on all federal grants and student aid. “We’re not funding hate,” Bannon says in a press conference.
May 22, 2025: ICE Revokes SEVP Certification
ICE announces that Harvard’s SEVP certification is revoked, meaning the university can no longer host international students on F-1 and J-1 visas. ICE accuses Harvard of having “repeatedly and flagrantly violated” federal rules and “refused to work with authorities in good faith.”
Harvard immediately responds: “This move is unlawful, discriminatory, and retaliatory. It is an attack on higher education and the rule of law. We will not be silenced or intimidated.”
More than 6,800 international students now face deportation unless they transfer to another SEVP-certified institution within 60 days or leave the US altogether. “This is catastrophic,” says a student from India. “We’re being punished for something we had no part in. We just came here to study.”
Harvard announces plans to file for an emergency injunction in federal court.
Also Read: US Federal Judge blocks Trump administration from revoking legal status of foreign students
