A recent decision by the Trump administration could significantly impact Harvard University’s athletic program by making the school ineligible to host international students on visas. This policy shift would affect a large portion of Harvard’s sports teams, many of which rely heavily on international athletes.
For example, the men’s heavyweight rowing team, which recently won the Eastern Sprints and is preparing for nationals, features seven international athletes. The men’s hockey team includes Canadian players like Mick Thompson and Jack Bar. Similar international representation is found on the men’s squash team, where 10 of 13 athletes are from abroad, and on more than half of the women’s soccer and golf teams.
Harvard fields 42 varsity sports teams — more than any other U.S. university. According to Sportico, 21% of Harvard’s 2024-25 varsity athletes (196 out of 919) have international hometowns. While some of these athletes may be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, many rely on student visas, which are now in jeopardy.
The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, accusing the university of allowing an unsafe campus environment where pro-terrorist and anti-American activists allegedly threatened Jewish students. This could affect as many as 6,800 international students — over a quarter of Harvard’s total student body.
Harvard has called the action unlawful and is working to support affected students. University President Alan Garber, who is Jewish, stated that Harvard will continue to combat hate and comply with legal obligations, framing this effort as both a legal duty and a moral responsibility.
The university’s athletics department has not publicly commented on the matter. Harvard’s athletic director and multiple coaches declined to speak about the potential effects of the visa ban.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Harvard alum and former athlete, criticized the decision, highlighting that international students contribute significantly to the state’s economy and innovation. She argued that the policy undermines American competitiveness and plays into the hands of countries like China, which are actively recruiting international talent.
