As the Trump administration in the United States announced that it would revoke the eligibility to accept foreign students at the prestigious Harvard University, it was revealed that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring related developments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly been sharing information about the situation with our students studying abroad through local embassies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to provide necessary information and consular assistance to the students. It is also reported that plans are in place for establishing an emergency contact network and holding meetings for local students studying abroad.
Previously, Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, noted in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the 22nd (local time) that "Harvard University has lost its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification due to non-compliance with the law."
The Department of Homeland Security then released a statement explaining that, following the loss of SEVP certification, Harvard University can no longer register foreign students. It mentioned that existing foreign students will need to transfer schools, or they will lose their legal status.
As a result, uncertainty is increasing for Korean students enrolled at Harvard University or nearing graduation regarding whether they can continue to stay in the United States and pursue their studies as international students.
The SEVP is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security that oversees student visas, and universities must have SEVP certification in order to issue international student status documentation (I-20) to foreign students. Without the international student status documentation, students cannot receive a student (F·J, etc.) visa.