Trump Defends Block on Foreign Students at Harvard, Harvard University Sued for Defying Trump's Demands

US President Donald Trump defended the administration's move to block foreign students at Harvard, citing concerns over foreign funding and national security. A judge suspended the action, and Harvard sued, calling it "unlawful." The White House has cracked down on US universities, accusing them of promoting anti-Semitism and reverse diversity programs. Harvard, which charges tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, has a student body of over 25% foreign nationals.

The Trump administration has moved to block Harvard University from enrolling new international students, citing concerns over foreign funding and national security. The directive, announced on Thursday, requires existing F-1 and J-1 visa holders to transfer or risk losing their legal status. This decision impacts nearly 6,800 international students, who comprise over a quarter of Harvard’s enrollment [1].

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, justified the action by alleging Harvard’s failure to comply with reporting requirements and substantial records requests. Noem publicly accused Harvard of fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus, adding that the administration sought to "protect students and prohibit terrorist sympathizers from receiving benefits from the US government" [1].

Harvard University has strongly refuted these claims, labeling the action "unlawful" and "retaliatory." The university affirmed its commitment to its international students, emphasizing their diverse origins from over 140 countries and their invaluable contributions to the academic community and the nation. Harvard President Alan Garber has previously asserted the university’s independence, stating that no government should dictate its teaching or admissions [1].

The ban has created widespread anxiety among Harvard’s international student body, with students expressing concerns over graduation prospects and the financial burden of potential transfers. Academics, including Harvard Kennedy School professor Pippa Norris, warned the ban could severely impact teaching and research, noting that a large proportion of her students are international [1].

Beyond the campus, the decision has drawn international criticism and raised questions about its broader geopolitical implications. China’s Foreign Ministry denounced the "politicization of educational collaboration," suggesting it would "tarnish its own image and reputation in the world" and urged a swift withdrawal of the ban. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Karishma Vaswani argued that such moves could undermine America’s "soft power" in Asia, potentially alienating future leaders from countries like India and China [1].

The administration’s move is part of a broader push that has included demands for universities to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming and restrict student protests, reflecting a continued effort to shape policies within higher education [1].

Harvard University secured a temporary reprieve from the ban on enrolling international students on Friday, following a lawsuit challenging the administration’s action. A federal judge agreed to temporarily halt the action while she considers Harvard’s bid to overturn the ban. The government’s move, however, remains a real threat, laying bare how far President Donald Trump is willing to push his fight with the university [2].

The Trump administration has been cracking down on US universities, accusing them of promoting anti-Semitism and reverse diversity programs. Harvard, which charges tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, has a student body of over 25% foreign nationals. The university’s international students contribute millions in tuition, although the school offers need-based aid to undergraduate students based on financial circumstances [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thelancasterpatriot.com/trump-administration-halts-international-student-enrollment-at-harvard/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/harvard-universitys-foreign-students-cant-rejoice-now-as-reprieve-wont-stop-looming-threats/articleshow/121389354.cms?from=mdr