Visa Program at Risk: Harvard’s Stance on Independence Challenged

Harvard University is currently embroiled in a dispute with the government over its international student programs.The State Department, under Secretary Christi, has demanded detailed data regarding alleged illegal and violent activities involving foreign students. This demand comes with a significant threat: potential revocation of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

SEVP, overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, is crucial for universities as it allows them to issue the I-20 form, a vital document for international students seeking visas. Loss of SEVP certification would effectively prevent Harvard from enrolling new international students, potentially impacting its diverse student body.in 2024, international students comprised approximately 25% of Harvard’s total student population, highlighting the program’s importance.

Despite the pressure, Harvard has firmly stated that it will not compromise its institutional independence or constitutional rights. The university’s unwavering stance sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal and political battle.

Financial Fallout: Subsidies Frozen, Tax-Exempt Status Threatened

Beyond the visa issue, the Trump administration is also moving to curtail Harvard’s financial benefits. The administration has already canceled $2.7 million in subsidies, a move reportedly based on President Trump’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding previously allocated to the university.

Furthermore, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status. CNN sources indicate that a final decision on this matter could be imminent. The IRS has the legal authority to revoke tax exemptions for non-profit organizations, including educational institutions like Harvard, if they engage in prohibited political activities.

While uncommon,the IRS has revoked tax exemptions in the past. For example, in 2023, a small private college lost its tax-exempt status after being found to have actively campaigned for a political candidate. This precedent underscores the potential consequences Harvard faces.

President Trump’s Criticism and Harvard’s “Declaration of Resistance”

president Trump has been openly critical of harvard,using his social media platform,Truso Social,to express his disapproval. He has gone so far as to call Harvard a “joke” and question its legitimacy as an educational institution.

This animosity stems from Harvard’s refusal to comply with the Trump administration’s demands, which include changes to its diversity policies, international student admissions, and measures to combat alleged anti-Israel bias. Harvard’s resistance to these demands has been characterized by some as a “Declaration of Resistance,” signaling its commitment to academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Harvard can’t even call it a proper educational institution anymore.
President Trump, Truso social

Wider Implications: A Precedent for Other Universities?

Harvard is not the only university facing pressure from the Trump administration. Other institutions, including Columbia University and MIT, have also been targeted with similar demands and threats of funding cuts. While MIT initially resisted, it eventually yielded to government pressure, highlighting the significant leverage the administration wields through its control over federal funding.

The outcome of the dispute between Harvard and the Trump administration could set a significant precedent for other universities, potentially impacting academic freedom, diversity policies, and the future of international student programs across the United States.