In a sweeping move by the Trump administration, Harvard University has lost its ability to enroll international students, putting the future of nearly 7,000 foreign scholars—including hundreds from India—at risk. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard’s SEVIS certification, which is essential for maintaining visa eligibility for F-1 and J-1 student visa holders. Without this, Harvard can no longer sponsor students, effectively nullifying their legal status in the U.S.
Indian students, among the top five nationalities represented at Harvard, now face an uncertain future. Those currently enrolled must either transfer to another SEVP-certified institution—an extremely difficult task mid-year—or risk deportation. With the spring semester ending on May 26 and no clear guidance from the university, students are scrambling to secure alternatives. For incoming students, the road ahead appears even more daunting, as Harvard can no longer issue I-20 forms required for visa processing. The move threatens to derail academic and career plans for scores of Indian students who view Harvard as a pathway to global opportunities.
