Harvard Students Face Expulsion Under Trump’s 2025 Policy – Full Breakdown and Korean Voices

 In 2025, Trump revoked Harvard’s visa program, sparking panic among global students. Learn what happened, why it matters, and how Koreans are responding.



Introduction

In May 2025, the Trump administration took an unprecedented step by revoking Harvard University's eligibility to host international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The decision sparked shockwaves across global academic communities, with thousands of international students facing the possibility of deportation just weeks before graduation. Among them, hundreds of Korean students are grappling with uncertainty and fear.

This is not merely an administrative issue — it is a politically charged action with ideological undertones, reflecting the Trump administration’s long-standing criticisms of elite academic institutions. This post provides a comprehensive overview of the event, the rationale given by the government, Harvard’s legal response, and the emotional toll on students, especially from Korea.



Table of Contents


1. What Exactly Happened?

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially revoked Harvard University's SEVP certification. This certification allows universities to issue Form I-20s, essential for international students to obtain and maintain F-1 visas. Without it, Harvard can no longer host foreign students, and existing international students may lose their legal status.

Approximately 6,800 international students are currently enrolled at Harvard, including around 434 from South Korea. All are now in a state of legal limbo.


2. The Trump Administration’s Justification

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the decision was made based on the following:

  • Harvard's alleged tolerance of antisemitic protests on campus
  • Suspicion of research collaborations with entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party
  • Failure to report criminal records involving international students
  • Abuse of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies

President Trump has also threatened to remove Harvard’s federal funding and tax-exempt status, citing its ideological bias and “radical leftist agenda.”


3. Harvard's Response and Legal Challenge

Harvard immediately condemned the decision, calling it unlawful, retaliatory, and a threat to academic freedom. The university’s president announced plans to challenge the ruling in federal court, citing First Amendment rights and the autonomy of private educational institutions.

Harvard’s Office for International Education has issued an emergency advisory and is working closely with embassies to support affected students.



4. Fear and Uncertainty Among International Students

News outlets such as The New York Times and NBC reported widespread fear and anxiety across student communities. One Australian student, set to graduate in June, said, “I’m terrified I won’t be able to receive my diploma.” Another from the UK mentioned exploring transfer options to Oxford.

Students have voiced feelings of alienation, with many questioning whether they still belong at the institution. Campus forums and social media are flooded with posts like “Are we being kicked out of the U.S.?”


5. Voices from the Korean Student Community

Jung-ho Hwang, president of the Harvard GSAS Korea Society and a senior majoring in Computer Science, told Yonhap News, “Everyone is in shock. Some students are already checking flight tickets home.”

Graduating Korean students are especially anxious, with concerns about post-graduation employment and visa eligibility. The lack of clear guidance from authorities has only deepened the uncertainty.



Source: Harvard University International Affairs Office. 
Used for educational and journalistic commentary under fair use.

This data illustrates the scale of potential disruption. South Korea is among the top five countries represented at Harvard, with more than 400 students currently enrolled. For many of them, the SEVP decertification directly threatens their academic path and future career plans.


6. FAQ – Key Questions Answered

Q1: Do international students have to leave immediately?
Not yet. The order is active, but a grace period may be implemented. Ongoing legal actions could also affect the timeline.

Q2: Will graduating students be affected?
Yes. Delays in OPT (Optional Practical Training) approvals or disruptions to the graduation process are likely.

Q3: Is this limited to Harvard?
No. The Trump administration has issued similar warnings to other institutions, including Columbia University.

Q4: What should Korean students do?
Stay informed through Harvard’s official updates, the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Korean student society on campus.


7. Conclusion – The Dangerous Line Between Politics and Education

This incident is not simply about university policy — it’s a warning sign that education can be weaponized for political gain. Harvard, long a symbol of academic excellence, now finds itself at the center of an ideological battle.

For international students around the world, this crisis is a stark reminder that immigration policy, education, and politics are deeply intertwined. The freedom to learn and the right to stay are no longer guaranteed. The world is watching — and so are the students whose futures hang in the balance.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

[Daily Gold #06] How to Safely Buy Physical Gold : A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Buying, Verifying, and Storing Real Gold

[Daily Gold #08] Gold ETF vs Physical Gold – Which Investment Suits You Best?

South Korea’s 2025 Presidential Election – Explained for the World