Harvard loses visa rights
for 2025; Indian students face uncertainty over F-1 visa delays. DHS cites
policy violation; legal action underway.
Harvard’s International
Enrollment Halt Triggers Visa Panic Among Indian Students
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the global
academic community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP),
effectively blocking it from enrolling international students for the 2025–26
academic year.
This abrupt suspension has particularly alarmed Indian
aspirants, many of whom were preparing to begin their dream programs this fall.
With F-1 visa applications paused,
students now face a ticking clock—and deep uncertainty.
🚨 What
Happened?
The DHS has
cited non-compliance with federal requests tied to recent campus protests as
the reason for this dramatic move. Harvard
has been locked out of the SEVIS
database, the official tracking system for student visas.
|
Action |
Details |
|
Revocation Agency |
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
|
Affected University |
Harvard University |
|
SEVP Status |
Revoked |
|
Academic Year Impacted |
2025–2026 |
|
Affected Students Globally |
Over 7,000 |
|
Affected Indian Students |
Approx. 800 |
💬 Voices from India:
Dreams on Hold
Real Reactions from
Indian Students:
|
Name & Age |
Status |
Statement |
|
24, Policy Consultant (Delhi) |
Admitted to MPP |
“My dream feels suspended. I chose Harvard over other
offers.” |
|
26, Kennedy Fellow (Ahmedabad) |
Awaiting Visa |
“Just waiting these 72 hours before deciding to defer.” |
|
52, Principal (Delhi) |
M.Ed Program |
“This feels overwhelming, but I’m still hopeful.” |
|
25, MPA Admit (Delhi) |
Wrote to Harvard |
“They assured a refund or deferral. Still, it’s
unsettling.” |
📊 Key Data
Snapshot
|
Metric |
Figure |
|
Harvard’s Int’l Student Count |
7,000+ |
|
Indian Students Impacted |
~800 |
|
SEVIS Lock Timeline |
Effective Immediately |
|
Appeal Response Window |
72 Hours |
|
Tuition Fees Lost (estimates) |
Up to ₹1.8 Cr/student |
🧑⚖️ Harvard's
Legal Response
In a statement issued by Harvard, the administration
strongly denied all allegations, calling the move a political retaliation.
They’ve filed a court complaint and a motion for a temporary restraining order
to reinstate their ability to enroll international students.
Statement Excerpt:
“Without its
international students, Harvard is not Harvard. We will pursue all legal
remedies to protect our students and our academic independence.”
🛑 What Does
This Mean for Indian Students?
Immediate Concerns:
F-1 visa processing halted for Harvard-bound students.
·
Risk of losing tuition deposits and
fellowships.
·
Visa timelines and application decisions now
hanging in balance.
·
Emotional toll on students and their
families.
Possible Outcomes:
·
Temporary restraining order may allow 2025
admissions to resume.
·
Students may defer enrollment or transfer to
alternate universities.
·
Legal developments expected within the next
few days.
🔄 Summary
The DHS’s
decision to suspend Harvard’s
international student enrollment has triggered deep anxiety among Indian
students, many of whom were days away from starting the visa process. With
time-sensitive academic decisions in limbo, the world watches closely as Harvard
mounts a legal battle for its global student community.
This incident reflects a broader political tension surrounding U.S. higher education policy and highlights the vulnerabilities international students face—even at top-tier institutions.
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