The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated its clash with Harvard University by revoking the Ivy League school’s certification to enroll international students — a move that could affect thousands, including Ghanaian students and scholars.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday that “Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status.”
The directive was issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had earlier threatened to strip the university of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification unless Harvard submitted detailed information about what she described as the “illegal and violent activities” of some of its international students by April 30.
Harvard University, known globally for its academic excellence and historic prestige, hosts thousands of international students each year.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, official data shows that 6,793 international students make up 27.2% of the university’s total enrollment, out of a larger international academic population of 9,970 individuals.
This includes students and researchers from more than 140 countries — among them, Ghana.
The decision could have significant consequences for Ghanaian students currently enrolled or seeking admission to Harvard.
Harvard officials quickly condemned the U.S. government’s action as politically motivated and without legal basis.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the university described the decision as “unlawful” and reaffirmed its dedication to its global student community.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably,” the statement read.
University spokesperson Jason Newton added, “We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
The revocation of Harvard’s certification marks one of the most aggressive steps taken by the Trump administration in its long-standing feud with elite academic institutions over immigration and university independence.