The Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard University's certification to enroll international students has sparked significant backlash from China, which warns that the move could tarnish the United States' global reputation. Chinese students, who constitute a substantial portion of Harvard's international population, are particularly affected by this policy change. The Chinese government criticized the action as a politicization of educational exchange and pledged to protect the rights of its students abroad.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the revocation on May 22, 2025, citing Harvard's alleged non-compliance with federal requests and purported ties to foreign entities. Harvard has condemned the decision as unlawful and is pursuing legal action to challenge the ban.

The policy shift has left many international students in limbo, facing uncertainty about their academic futures and legal status in the U.S. Some are considering transferring to institutions in other countries, such as the United Kingdom or Australia, where they perceive a more stable environment for international education.

In response to the situation, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has extended offers to affected students, providing streamlined admissions and academic support to facilitate their transition.

This development adds to the growing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the realm of academic and cultural exchanges, and raises concerns about the future of international collaboration in higher education.