This Word Means: Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
WHY NOW?
The ongoing stand-off between Harvard University and the US government under President Donald Trump escalated on Friday (May 23), when the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked its ability to enrol foreign students.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the DHS, posted a letter on X, announcing the decision to revoke the university's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is key to the entry and residence of foreign students. Harvard, which ranks among the world's premier higher education institutions, has legally challenged the decision.
The US government's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) collects and maintains information so that only 'legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry to the United States,' its website states.
It also ensures that the institutions accepting non-immigrant students (people living there temporarily) are certified and follow government regulations.
Another important element of the process is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an online information system that maintains and allows monitoring of records like SEVP-certified schools, students holding relevant visas, etc. Thus, the revocation also matters for students already enrolled at Harvard, and they would have to transfer to another institution.
The SEVP holds information about non-immigrant students in the following visa categories:
*F-1 STUDENTS – Non-immigrant students whose primary purpose is to complete an academic course of study at an SEVP-certified school or program.
*M-1 STUDENTS – Non-immigrant students whose primary purpose is to complete a vocational course of study at an SEVP-certified school or program.
*J-1 EXCHANGE VISITORS – Non-immigrant students selected to participate in a US Department of State-designated exchange visitor program.
SEVP certification allows institutions to issue Forms I-20, which is a 'Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status'. These can be issued to prospective international students after admitting them into a program of study. Prospective international students then use the Form I-20 to apply for a visa to enter the United States.
After receiving Form I-20, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before applying for their US student visa. The receipt of that payment must be presented as proof when one applies for a visa.
Once the payment is done and the receipt is collected, students must apply for a visa at any US Embassy or Consulate in their country.
However, a visa does not guarantee entrance to the United States; it only permits students 'to arrive and seek permission to enter the country', the DHS website says. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the US port of entry has the final authority to admit entry into the country.
In her May 22 letter, Noem referred to an April 16 letter to the university, where she demanded Harvard provide information about the 'criminality and misconduct of foreign students on its campus.' The refusal to comply would result in SEVP termination, she warned at the time.
The latest letter includes six stringent requirements to reinstate the SEVP certification within 72 hours. For instance, one asks for 'Any and all audio or video footage in the possession of Harvard University of any protest activity involving a non-immigrant student on a Harvard University campus in the last five years.'
The stand-off follows large-scale protests on college campuses against Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip since 2023, deemed 'anti-Semitic' by the US government.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
B-2 bombers on route to Guam just before Trump's D.C. arrival — signals mount ahead of U.S strikes on Iran
B-2 stealth bombers are on their way to Guam , just as President Donald Trump prepares for his return to Washington, D.C. The timing of this deployment is raising questions about a possible U.S. military strike on Iran , especially amid growing tensions in the Middle East. The timing couldn't be more critical. As fighting intensifies between Iran and Israel, the U.S. appears to be gearing up for possible direct involvement. Multiple military sources confirmed that six B-2 Spirit bombers, capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), are being moved to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam—a key U.S. outpost in the Pacific. According to flight data reviewed by Fox News, six B-2 Spirit bombers left Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri this week, heading toward Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. These bombers were joined by multiple KC-46 Pegasus tankers , which help them refuel mid-air—extending their global reach. The deployment has sparked serious speculation about U.S. plans, especially since B-2s are the only aircraft that can carry the GBU-57 bunker buster , a 30,000-pound bomb built to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility . Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Only 2% Traders Know this Powerful Intraday Strategy thefutureuniversity Learn More Undo Why are B-2 stealth bombers being moved to Guam now? This deployment isn't routine. The B-2 bomber is one of America's most advanced long-range weapons. It's the only aircraft designed to carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 bunker buster, which can strike deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility—one of Tehran's most fortified sites. The flight path and tanker support, including KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft, suggest these B-2s are being prepared for missions far beyond Guam. Analysts say the bombers could soon reposition to Diego Garcia, a remote Indian Ocean island base with a clear path toward Iranian targets. Live Events A senior U.S. defense official told Fox News that these bombers are 'positioned to rapidly respond if the President gives the order.' Is the U.S. preparing for direct strikes on Iran? It certainly looks that way. Since the Iran–Israel war broke out earlier this month, U.S. forces in the Middle East have been mobilizing quickly. Fighter jets, missile defense systems, and naval assets have been moved across strategic locations including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean. Now, the focus has shifted to the skies. The B-2 deployment to Guam brings America's most precise and deadly airstrike capability closer to the conflict zone. Trump, who resumed presidential duties in January 2025, has made it clear in recent statements that Iran's nuclear escalation 'will not be tolerated.' While Washington has publicly called for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, behind the scenes, military options are being actively reviewed. A source close to U.S. Central Command said, 'The window is narrowing. If Iran crosses the uranium enrichment threshold or hits Israeli civilian targets again, we expect a green light for strikes within days.' Could Diego Garcia be a launch point for Iran strikes? Diego Garcia is often used when the U.S. wants to strike in the Middle East without relying on regional allies' airspace. The island is British territory but leased to the U.S. military and has been a base for bomber operations in previous wars, including the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. If B-2s are shifted from Guam to Diego Garcia, it could be the clearest sign yet that a U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear program is imminent. The Fordow facility is buried under a mountain and would require a powerful weapon like the GBU-57, launched from a stealth platform, to destroy it. That's what makes the B-2 bomber deployment so significant at this moment. Is the U.S. preparing for a strike on Iran's nuclear sites? The signs are pointing that way. The deployment of stealth bombers , along with movements of U.S. Navy carrier strike groups like the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson , show a growing military buildup. Fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor , F-16 , and F-35 have also been repositioned, along with refueling tankers and missile defense systems across key U.S. bases in the Gulf and Middle East. According to The Times, intelligence sources believe Trump could approve limited airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure within the next two weeks. The goal would be to weaken Iran's ability to enrich uranium without starting a full-scale war. Iran has recently warned the U.S. and Israel of 'consequences' if attacks continue. Tensions spiked after Israel reportedly struck several missile sites in Iran, with Tehran promising retaliation. With so many moving parts, Washington appears to be preparing for a worst-case scenario. What next in the Iran–Israel war? The Iran–Israel conflict has already left over 4,000 people dead on both sides, according to regional reports. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and cyber warfare have intensified in recent days. Israel reportedly targeted Iranian missile sites and IRGC positions near Isfahan and Shiraz this week, escalating Tehran's threats of retaliation. With Trump back in D.C. and briefed by top Pentagon officials, decisions are expected quickly. The President may opt for targeted airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure or command centers if Tehran crosses certain 'red lines.' While no U.S. attack has been announced officially, the presence of stealth bombers in Guam , the potential use of Diego Garcia , and the broader U.S. military mobilization all point to a readiness posture—not just a show of force. FAQs: Q1: Why are B-2 stealth bombers moving to Guam now? To prepare for possible strikes on Iran amid rising tensions. Q2: Could Diego Garcia be used for Iran airstrikes? Yes, it's a key U.S. base for long-range missions near the Middle East.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Federal judge blocks Trump's move to bar international students from Harvard in major US education ruling
US court halts Trump's visa crackdown on Harvard's international students A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's latest attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal standoff between one of the world's most prestigious universities and the current US administration. The ruling, handed down by US District Judge Allison Burroughs, ensures that Harvard can continue to host its nearly 7,000 international students — about one-quarter of its total enrollment — while broader legal proceedings continue. The decision represents a critical win for the Ivy League school, which has been in legal conflict with the federal government over multiple policy decisions impacting academic freedom, international student mobility, and the university's operational autonomy. While the ruling does not offer a permanent solution, it reinforces Harvard's position against what it claims are politically motivated efforts by the Trump administration to penalize the institution. Court decision halts a second attempt by the administration The legal battle intensified after the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program in May. This would have forced thousands of students to either leave the country or transfer, severely disrupting their education. Harvard responded by suing the agency, alleging that the action was taken without proper procedure and in retaliation for the university's refusal to comply with the White House's demands on issues including campus protests, admissions, and hiring practices. Just weeks later, President Trump issued a new proclamation attempting to bypass the court's temporary block, again aiming to prevent foreign students from attending Harvard. Judge Burroughs intervened once more, temporarily blocking this second action as well, according to reporting by the Associated Press. Her latest ruling maintains that block, though she emphasized that the federal government still retains the authority to conduct normal reviews of international student programs. Impact on students and institutional reputation Harvard argued in court filings that the federal actions had created an atmosphere of 'profound fear, concern, and confusion' for international students, many of whom were left in limbo about their academic futures. As reported by the Associated Press, Maureen Martin, director of Harvard's immigration services, said that many students had considered transferring due to uncertainty over their visa status. The sanctions also harmed Harvard's global reputation, the university claimed, jeopardizing its ability to attract top talent. 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,' the lawsuit stated, highlighting how crucial foreign scholars are to its academic mission. Broader political tensions continue This legal conflict is part of a broader dispute between Harvard and the Trump administration. As reported by the Associated Press, the government has already cut over $2.6 billion in research funding, canceled contracts, and even threatened the university's tax-exempt status. The administration demanded access to extensive records related to international students, claiming concerns about national security. While Trump said in a Truth Social post that negotiations with Harvard were ongoing and that the university had been acting 'appropriately,' Harvard has held firm, with President Alan Garber stating that the university would not abandon its 'core, legally-protected principles,' as quoted by the Associated Press. As the legal fight continues, Harvard says it is making contingency plans to support its international students, ensuring their education remains uninterrupted despite the political challenges. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
NDTV
40 minutes ago
- NDTV
Trump Says 'Mindbogglingly Historic' Deal With Harvard Will Be Announced Soon
After a long legal battle between Harvard University and US President Donald Trump, the latter signalled at a possible "deal" between the two. In a post on Truth Social, he said that, "We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so." Earlier, the president had accused Harvard of failing to clamp down and perpetuating antisemitism. He had terminated $2 billion in grants and also tried to ban the school from granting admission to international students. Harvard had pushed back on the administration's demands, labelling them "unconstitutional". The university also argued that the demands restrict academic freedom and had taken legal action over the freezing of funds and attempts to restrict foreign student admissions. However, Harvard is not the only university to be targeted by the Trump administration. Other universities, such as Northwestern University, Cornell, and Columbia, have also had federal funding withheld for similar reasons. "Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution," Trump wrote on Truth Social, before revealing about the deal. He added that Harvard had "acted extremely appropriately" during the negotiations and "appear to be committed to doing what is right". "If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be 'mindbogglingly' HISTORIC, and very good for our Country," he concluded his post. He made the statement shortly after a federal judge in Boston issued an injunction blocking the US Department of Homeland Security from immediately revoking Harvard's ability to enrol international students. That injunction prevents the US Department of Homeland Security from revoking Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program without first going through a months-long administrative process, which it now plans to do. International students make up about a quarter of its student body. According to CNN, the deal could potentially resolve the outstanding legal battles between the two parties.
