Vietnamese students in panic as Trump bans Harvard from enrolling foreigners

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification on May 22, effectively barring the university from admitting new international students and forcing current ones to transfer or risk losing their legal status.

"I'm shocked. My future is uncertain," said Manh Hung, a Vietnamese postgraduate student in public policy. "Harvard hasn't told us anything. Usually, they're quick to respond, but it's been more than 24 hours and still no guidance."

Hung's concerns echo across the Vietnamese student community.

Do Nhu, who completed her master's degree in August 2024, described the mood as "panic."

"I don't know if I'll be expelled," she said. "No one knows what's going to happen next."

The decision affects more than 6,800 international students at Harvard, roughly 27% of the student body, many of whom now face a legal and academic limbo.

Vietnamese students currently enrolled, as well as incoming students, are scrambling for answers, but most declined to comment publicly out of fear it could impact their immigration status.

With the fall admission cycle already closed at most U.S. universities, transferring is a difficult proposition. "Other schools have already finalized their lists," Hung explained. "Even access to Harvard's student visa system is becoming more restricted."

Immigration lawyer Bhuvanyaa Vijay told The Harvard Crimson that while visas won't be immediately canceled, affected students may be granted a grace period. Students should retain their I-20 forms, but their legal status remains fragile, she said.

Nhu hopes Harvard will negotiate with Homeland Security to protect current students.

Hung, who is studying under a full scholarship, worries that transferring could jeopardize everything.

"If I'm forced to move, I don't know how I'll afford it," he said. "At least let us finish online."