U.S. President Donald Trump has taken steps to prevent almost all foreign students from entering the United States to study at Harvard University. This move is part of his ongoing effort to reduce the number of international students at the Ivy League institution, which currently makes up a significant portion of the student body.
In a recent order, Trump stated that allowing Harvard to continue hosting foreign students in Cambridge, Mass., poses a risk to national security. He justified his decision by claiming that Harvard’s actions have made it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers.
This decision marks a new chapter in the conflict between the White House and Harvard University. While a federal court in Boston had previously prevented the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from blocking international students at Harvard, Trump’s order now invokes a different legal authority.
Trump utilized a broad federal law that authorizes the president to prohibit entry for foreigners deemed detrimental to U.S. interests. Additionally, he recently announced travel restrictions for citizens of 12 countries, citing the same legal basis. The order also references other laws, including those related to individuals associated with terrorist groups.
Harvard responded to Trump’s order by affirming its commitment to safeguarding its international students. The university criticized the administration’s actions as illegal and retaliatory, alleging violations of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.
The dispute between Harvard and the government has been escalating for months. The Trump administration had demanded policy changes at Harvard, accusing the institution of liberal bias and tolerating antisemitism. Harvard resisted these demands, arguing that they infringed on the university’s autonomy and threatened academic freedom.
In response to Harvard’s defiance, the administration has intensified its pressure tactics. This included cutting research grants and seeking to terminate federal contracts with the university. The latest move targets Harvard’s approximately 7,000 international students, who make up a significant portion of certain graduate school enrollments.
Attorney General Pam Bondi defended Trump’s order, emphasizing that studying at a top American university is a privilege, not a right. Bondi pledged to support the president’s decision based on national security concerns.
On the other hand, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal criticized the measure as unjustified and unrelated to national security. Jayapal characterized it as a vindictive act stemming from Trump’s personal feud with Harvard and an infringement on free speech.
The executive order applies to all prospective Harvard students seeking entry into the U.S. after its issuance. However, exceptions may be granted for students whose admission is deemed to serve the national interest. Trump’s order alleges that Harvard’s response to Homeland Security’s request for student misconduct data was inadequate, implying a lack of transparency and oversight regarding foreign students.
The order also grants the U.S. Secretary of State authority to revoke visas for current foreign students at Harvard, with the suspension set to last six months. A review will be conducted within 90 days to determine if the order should be extended.
Furthermore, a recent State Department directive instructs embassies and consulates to scrutinize the social media profiles of visa applicants intending to join or visit Harvard for indications of antisemitism.
Harvard officials have expressed concerns over the administration’s actions, noting that international students are experiencing fear and uncertainty. Many students have inquired about transferring out of Harvard due to the ongoing tensions and uncertainties surrounding their status at the university.