The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Harvard University will no longer be able to recruit foreign students if it cannot meet the Trump administration's requirements. This is the latest escalating action taken by the U.S. government against the educational institution. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced on Wednesday the termination of two grants to Harvard University totaling more than $2.7 million.
Noem said she has sent a letter to Harvard requesting records of "illegal and violent activity" by foreign student visa holders on campus by April 30. “If Harvard cannot demonstrate full compliance with reporting requirements, the school will lose its authority to admit foreign students,” Noem said in a statement.
"Harvard has an endowment of $53.2 billion and can spend its own money to eliminate chaos, but the Department of Homeland Security will not." Noem also added that Harvard has an "anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology."
Harvard has previously said it works to combat anti-Semitism and other bigotry on campus while upholding academic freedom and the right to protest.
The Trump administration said late last month that it was reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard University, then required the school to implement restrictions, including banning demonstrators from wearing masks and canceling diversity, equity and inclusion programs, before it could continue to receive federal funding.
Harvard University rejected several requests on Monday, saying it would put control in the hands of the government. The Trump administration later said it would freeze $2.3 billion in funds.
Trump also threatened on Tuesday to strip Harvard University of its tax-exempt status. U.S. media reported on Wednesday that the IRS is formulating plans to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status and is expected to make a final decision soon.