Harvard Faces U.S. Subpoenas Over International Student Data Amid National Security Probe

Cambridge: The U.S. government has intensified its standoff with Harvard University, issuing administrative subpoenas for extensive records on the school’s international students as part of an escalating national security probe.

Read More: Efekta Launches World’s Largest AI-Driven English Learning Program Across Latin America

On July 9, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demanded access to data covering more than 7,000 international students enrolled since January 1, 2020. The subpoena seeks detailed information, including disciplinary actions, criminal charges, and even audio and video recordings from campus protests.

The move comes less than two months after DHS revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), preventing the university from enrolling new international students.

Read Also: Visa Denials Top List of Challenges for U.S. English Language Teaching Providers

Government’s Justification

Federal officials cite national security risks as the driving factor. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleges that Harvard failed to address concerns over visa misuse, violent activity, antisemitic incidents, and possible links to foreign governments.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin underscored the department’s frustration:
“We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard… Now we’re doing it the hard way.”

Harvard Pushes Back

The university strongly disputes the allegations, calling the subpoenas “unfounded retribution.” Harvard asserts it will comply with the law while continuing to challenge the scope and legality of the government’s demands in court. Previously, Harvard secured temporary injunctions to block federal restrictions on visas and SEVP status.

Read More: U.S. Student Visa Process Faces Major Disruptions and Delays in 2025

What’s at Stake

The implications extend beyond Harvard. Federal officials warn that other universities could face similar scrutiny for non-compliance. Meanwhile, Harvard’s accreditation and eligibility for federal grants are under review by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and federal agencies, partly due to concerns over antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.

For Harvard’s international students, uncertainty looms. Some may need to transfer to maintain legal status, while prospective students face heightened entry barriers.

What’s Next

Legal hearings are expected as Harvard prepares to contest the subpoenas. Reviews of its SEVP status and federal funding eligibility remain ongoing outcomes that could reshape U.S. higher education compliance standards for foreign students.