Harvard University will be handing over employee details to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Harvard has confirmed it will submit I-9 employment verification records for nearly 19,000 current and former employees following a formal request by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to an internal email sent to staff.
The Harvard Crimson reported that the disclosure was announced in an email from Harvard’s human resources office, which was sent to current and recent employees. The University said it would comply with a DHS notice of inspection requiring it to produce I-9 records for all individuals employed by Harvard between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.
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Earlier in 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, barring the university from enrolling new international students on F-1 and J-1 visas. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cited Harvard’s alleged failure to address antisemitism, permit pro-terrorist activities, and inadequate safeguards against foreign influence, especially involving the Chinese Communist Party. This decision affected approximately 6,800 currently enrolled international students, who were given a limited timeframe to transfer to other certified institutions to maintain their legal status. Following the revocation, Harvard filed a federal lawsuit and quickly secured a temporary restraining order from a Massachusetts district court, preventing DHS from enforcing the decision while legal proceedings continue.
Throughout 2025, DHS demanded extensive records from Harvard, including disciplinary actions and protest involvement for international students, initially requesting this information in April and later issuing administrative subpoenas in July. The federal government also froze over $2.3 billion in federal funding to Harvard, including DHS grants totaling at least $2.7 million. In late July, Harvard complied by providing I-9 employment eligibility forms for most U.S.-based employees. Despite public criticism from some lawmakers, no formal congressional investigation has been confirmed as of August 2025. Harvard continues to challenge DHS’s actions in court amid concerns about academic freedom and federal overreach.
According to The Harvard Crimson, in addition to the I-9 request, DHS has issued three separate subpoenas to Harvard, primarily seeking information related to international students. These subpoenas cover post-graduation employment, participation in protests, and disciplinary or criminal records.
The ongoing dispute between Harvard University and the Department of Homeland Security underscores the growing tension between federal authorities and academic institutions over immigration, national security, and institutional autonomy. DHS’s revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification, coupled with extensive demands for student and employee records, reflects heightened government scrutiny of foreign influence and campus conduct. Harvard’s compliance with subpoenas and record requests, alongside its legal challenges, highlights the delicate balance universities must maintain between cooperating with regulatory agencies and protecting academic freedom and privacy rights. The situation also raises broader questions about the impact of federal actions on international students and the overall climate for higher education in the United States. As Harvard continues to contest DHS’s measures in court, the outcome will likely set important precedents regarding government oversight of universities and the rights of international students and staff amid concerns about security and civil liberties.