US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has requested relevant information from Harvard University about foreign students involved in “known illegal” or “dangerous” activity. In a letter sent to the university, Noem demanded details about student visa holders who have been involved in such activities, including whether the incidents occurred on campus.
The request comes as part of an ongoing effort by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to monitor compliance with federal regulations. Harvard University is required to submit information on its nonimmigrant students, including those who have faced disciplinary actions or left the university due to violent activity.
Noem’s letter highlights a growing concern about the safety and security of Jewish students at Harvard, which has been criticized for not doing enough to condemn anti-Semitism. The secretary’s office cites President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14188, which aims to combat anti-Semitism vigorously.
Failure to comply with the request may result in automatic withdrawal of Harvard University’s certification as an SEVP-approved school, and could lead to criminal prosecution under various federal laws.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/04/17/us/harvard-letter-signed.html