Harvard students slam latest Trump visa ban
NEW YORK: Donald Trump's late night proclamation blocking Harvard's new international students has sparked fear and anger among existing students left in limbo amid the escalating showdown between the president and their university.
Alfred Williamson, a Welsh-Danish physics and government student in his second year at Harvard, said he was 'clinging onto the hope that Harvard will win this fight and that I will get to return next semester.'
Harvard had won a reprieve from a judge who paused an earlier bid by Trump to revoke the university's ability to sponsor the school's large international student population -- 27 percent of the total.
'Then the Trump administration does whatever it can to crush those dreams,' Williamson, 20, told AFP of Trump's proclamation Wednesday alleging that 'Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers' and also threatened existing international students with visa cancellations.
'This represents another authoritarian instance of executive overreach, which punishes international students for attending a university that refuses to bow down to the administration,' said Williamson who is vacationing outside the United States.
He said 'Trump is targeting Harvard because it has the integrity to stand up to his unlawful and un-American demands.'
Harvard has been at the forefront of Trump's campaign against top universities after it defied his calls to submit to oversight of its curriculum, staffing, student recruitment and 'viewpoint diversity.'
The government already cut around $3.2 billion of federal grants and contracts benefiting Harvard and pledged to exclude the Cambridge, Massachusetts, institution from any future federal funding while threatening its tax-exempt status.
Harvard did not respond to calls for comment Thursday, but said Wednesday that Trump's proclamation was 'retaliatory.'
A graduate student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government from India who declined to be named said: 'I just read this latest news. We have not received anything from Harvard yet, but this isn't surprising -- albeit concerning.'
'I knew it was going to be a long summer.'
- 'Grab for power' -
One international student who declined to be named for fear of retribution raised the plight of international students who had moved their lives to Harvard, leaving for the summer break, and now faced uncertainty following Trump's order.
'What about students who went home for the summer? There's a risk they won't be able to come back,' said the student who is currently seeking to renew their own visa.
Legal experts say a legal challenge from Harvard is all but inevitable.
'In response to the proclamation, we foresee Harvard University pursuing similar legal action by filing a lawsuit in federal court and seeking a preliminary injunction to temporarily block enforcement,' said Laura Devine Immigration attorney Khensani Mathebula.
'In parallel, the university will need to act quickly on an administrative level to explore options for its international student population.'
A US Harvard student of government going into her fourth year who is friends with many international students, Olivia Data, said 'this news is heartbreaking and scary.'
'Our friends and classmates are being used as collateral in a dictator's grab for power, and none of us know where it will end or whether our university can protect its students in our current political system,' she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
35 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trump-Musk Feud Escalates, Impacting US Tech & Global Policy
HOLLYWOOD could not have produced a more riveting movie, playing out to audiences in the United States and around the world – accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Just days after praising Elon Musk as 'one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced' and crediting him with a leading role in the 'most sweeping and consequential government reform effort in generations', President Donald Trump is now engaged in a no-holds-barred fight with his 'First Buddy'. Although the battlefield is the US and 'the big beautiful bill' at the centre of their conflict, the showdown has rapidly degenerated into a public brawl with larger implications between what many see as the two most powerful and richest men in the world. It is a fight that is unprecedented for its below-the-belt attacks, financial threats and allegations of misconduct and impropriety. The stakes American analysts following this feud have assessed it in terms of the domestic impact of the largest spending bill in American history. The 'big and beautiful' federal spending proposal is estimated to add a possible US$2.4 trillion (RM10.2 trillion) to America's debt over the next decade, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Musk has described the bill as 'a disgusting abomination' and as 'massive, outrageous and pork-filled', and warned of its negative impact on America's debt burden and the lives of ordinary Americans. Trump, on the other hand, sees the bill as improving 'the fiscal trajectory of the United States' and unleashing 'an era of unprecedented economic growth'. He has also characterised it as arguably 'the most significant piece of legislation that will ever be signed in the history of our country!' 'Myth, hoax, grotesque and immoral' are some of the descriptions thrown by the Democrats and Republicans at each other's position on the bill as well as at the protagonists. These will not be the last words hurled in this ongoing battle and can have serious implications for the economic future and well-being of the US. Geopolitical ramifications of the fallout Elsewhere in the world, the fallout effects in the relationship between Trump and Musk are also receiving special attention given the significant influence that the two leaders command in global politics and business. Here is a breakdown of potential effects on global geopolitics: Impact on US tech policy Musk's involvement, particularly as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) established to streamline bureaucracy and shift national technological policy, now appears to have ended. The feud, transforming a personal clash into a geopolitical catalyst, will accelerate tech decoupling away from the US. While immediate crises may not arise, allies and adversaries will recalibrate strategies to navigate this new development and instability. Economic instability and trade wars Trump's latest tariff and protectionist policy measures have already sparked resistance in countries around the world. Musk's opposition to Trump's recent tax and spending bill, which impacts the electric vehicle and space industry, suggests a potential for continued internal conflict that could translate into unpredictable economic and security policies with global repercussions. Shifting political alliances and funding Musk's significant financial contributions to Trump and Republican candidates in the past indicate a volatile landscape for political funding and influence. This internal money and political shifting will impact the rivalry between Democrats and Republicans as well as American foreign policy-making. Soft power and international perception The public spectacle of the Trump-Musk fallout has significantly reinforced perceptions of unpredictability and internal discord within the US. This, in turn, is eroding trust among allies and weakening the soft and hard power foundations of America's global hegemony. Nato and European relations The Trump administration's questioning of Nato's value and Trump's transactional approach to alliances have strained relations with European allies. The internal US political discord, amplified by the Trump-Musk feud, has further introduced uncertainties to these alliances, including in areas of defence and security. Trump's and Musk's interventions are pushing European nations to seek greater self-reliance in foreign policy. Blurring lines between corporate and state authority Musk's intervention in US policy decisions highlights a growing shift in the balance of power between government and corporations. The fallout could affect the ability of private entities to shape national and international policies. Influence of social media platforms The public nature of their dispute, largely conducted on X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, and hugely amplified by mainstream media, underscores the increasing role that social media platforms play as arenas for geopolitical discourse. This can lead to rapid shifts in sentiment and policy, with the potential for unintended consequences. What is clear is that the Trump-Musk fallout is more than just a personal dispute or one with consequences for solely American domestic policy. Although a highly visible manifestation of political and economic tensions within the US, the reverberations are likely to contribute to more unpredictable and potentially volatile geopolitical dynamics in view of the global reach of the two. Longer-term impact Presently, Musk is at the receiving end of a demonising campaign by Trump and his Republican colleagues, which shows little sign of abating or reconciliation, although this is being urged by a small number of Musk's Republican supporters. Meantime, he has incurred a significant financial loss with his net worth plummeting by an estimated US$34 billion, mainly due to the fall in Tesla's share price. Despite this massive decline, Musk remains the world's wealthiest individual, with a fortune estimated at US$334.5 billion, according to Bloomberg. In response, he has called for a new US party targeting the '80% in the middle'. Should this development take place, it could fracture conservative and progressive movements, and further weaken US foreign policy cohesion. Although unlikely to happen, given the record of third parties in America, such a development may well provide the catalyst needed to make America greater than what it presently is. For now, this is Musk's consolation shared with his supporters: 'Trump has 3.5 years left as president,' Musk wrote on X, 'but I will be around for 40-plus years.'
The Sun
35 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trump vs Musk: Domestic and geopolitical repercussions
HOLLYWOOD could not have produced a more riveting movie, playing out to audiences in the United States and around the world – accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Just days after praising Elon Musk as 'one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced' and crediting him with a leading role in the 'most sweeping and consequential government reform effort in generations', President Donald Trump is now engaged in a no-holds-barred fight with his 'First Buddy'. Although the battlefield is the US and 'the big beautiful bill' at the centre of their conflict, the showdown has rapidly degenerated into a public brawl with larger implications between what many see as the two most powerful and richest men in the world. It is a fight that is unprecedented for its below-the-belt attacks, financial threats and allegations of misconduct and impropriety. The stakes American analysts following this feud have assessed it in terms of the domestic impact of the largest spending bill in American history. The 'big and beautiful' federal spending proposal is estimated to add a possible US$2.4 trillion (RM10.2 trillion) to America's debt over the next decade, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Musk has described the bill as 'a disgusting abomination' and as 'massive, outrageous and pork-filled', and warned of its negative impact on America's debt burden and the lives of ordinary Americans. Trump, on the other hand, sees the bill as improving 'the fiscal trajectory of the United States' and unleashing 'an era of unprecedented economic growth'. He has also characterised it as arguably 'the most significant piece of legislation that will ever be signed in the history of our country!' 'Myth, hoax, grotesque and immoral' are some of the descriptions thrown by the Democrats and Republicans at each other's position on the bill as well as at the protagonists. These will not be the last words hurled in this ongoing battle and can have serious implications for the economic future and well-being of the US. Geopolitical ramifications of the fallout Elsewhere in the world, the fallout effects in the relationship between Trump and Musk are also receiving special attention given the significant influence that the two leaders command in global politics and business. Here is a breakdown of potential effects on global geopolitics: Impact on US tech policy Musk's involvement, particularly as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) established to streamline bureaucracy and shift national technological policy, now appears to have ended. The feud, transforming a personal clash into a geopolitical catalyst, will accelerate tech decoupling away from the US. While immediate crises may not arise, allies and adversaries will recalibrate strategies to navigate this new development and instability. Economic instability and trade wars Trump's latest tariff and protectionist policy measures have already sparked resistance in countries around the world. Musk's opposition to Trump's recent tax and spending bill, which impacts the electric vehicle and space industry, suggests a potential for continued internal conflict that could translate into unpredictable economic and security policies with global repercussions. Shifting political alliances and funding Musk's significant financial contributions to Trump and Republican candidates in the past indicate a volatile landscape for political funding and influence. This internal money and political shifting will impact the rivalry between Democrats and Republicans as well as American foreign policy-making. Soft power and international perception The public spectacle of the Trump-Musk fallout has significantly reinforced perceptions of unpredictability and internal discord within the US. This, in turn, is eroding trust among allies and weakening the soft and hard power foundations of America's global hegemony. Nato and European relations The Trump administration's questioning of Nato's value and Trump's transactional approach to alliances have strained relations with European allies. The internal US political discord, amplified by the Trump-Musk feud, has further introduced uncertainties to these alliances, including in areas of defence and security. Trump's and Musk's interventions are pushing European nations to seek greater self-reliance in foreign policy. Blurring lines between corporate and state authority Musk's intervention in US policy decisions highlights a growing shift in the balance of power between government and corporations. The fallout could affect the ability of private entities to shape national and international policies. Influence of social media platforms The public nature of their dispute, largely conducted on X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, and hugely amplified by mainstream media, underscores the increasing role that social media platforms play as arenas for geopolitical discourse. This can lead to rapid shifts in sentiment and policy, with the potential for unintended consequences. What is clear is that the Trump-Musk fallout is more than just a personal dispute or one with consequences for solely American domestic policy. Although a highly visible manifestation of political and economic tensions within the US, the reverberations are likely to contribute to more unpredictable and potentially volatile geopolitical dynamics in view of the global reach of the two. Longer-term impact Presently, Musk is at the receiving end of a demonising campaign by Trump and his Republican colleagues, which shows little sign of abating or reconciliation, although this is being urged by a small number of Musk's Republican supporters. Meantime, he has incurred a significant financial loss with his net worth plummeting by an estimated US$34 billion, mainly due to the fall in Tesla's share price. Despite this massive decline, Musk remains the world's wealthiest individual, with a fortune estimated at US$334.5 billion, according to Bloomberg. In response, he has called for a new US party targeting the '80% in the middle'. Should this development take place, it could fracture conservative and progressive movements, and further weaken US foreign policy cohesion. Although unlikely to happen, given the record of third parties in America, such a development may well provide the catalyst needed to make America greater than what it presently is. For now, this is Musk's consolation shared with his supporters: 'Trump has 3.5 years left as president,' Musk wrote on X, 'but I will be around for 40-plus years.'
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Trump threatens ‘heavy force' as nationwide protests grow over immigration crackdown, LA troops hit 4,700
LOS ANGELES, June 12 — Protests against Donald Trump's harsh immigration policies spread yesterday across the United States despite a military-backed crackdown in Los Angeles and threats by the hard-right Republican president to use 'heavy force.' In Los Angeles, where the unrest began last Friday, an overnight curfew intended to keep people out of the downtown area was largely effective, with police arresting around 25 people who had refused to leave. Officers patrolled near government buildings, and storekeepers boarded up windows to protect against vandalism. But the area was quiet Wednesday. 'I would say for the most part everything is hunky dory right here at Ground Zero,' protester Lynn Sturgis, 66, a retired school teacher, told AFP. 'Our city is not at all on fire, it's not burning down, as our terrible leader is trying to tell you.' Around 1,000 troops from the 4,700 that Trump ordered to the city were actively guarding facilities and working alongside ICE agents, said Scott Sherman, Deputy Commanding General Army North, who is leading operations. The rest—including 700 active duty Marines—were mustering, or undergoing training in dealing with civil disturbances, he said. The Pentagon has said the deployment will cost taxpayers $134 million. The mostly peaceful protests ignited over a sudden escalation in efforts to apprehend migrants who were in the country illegally. Pockets of violence—including the burning of self-driving taxis and hurling stones at police—triggered a massive response from authorities using tear gas and other crowd-control weapons. Trump won the election last year partly on promises to combat what he claims is an 'invasion' by undocumented migrants. He is now seizing the opportunity to make political capital, ordering the California National Guard to deploy despite Governor Gavin Newsom's objections, the first time a US president has taken such action in decades. 'If our troops didn't go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now,' Trump insisted on social media Wednesday. The White House doubled down on that rhetoric. 'President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing. Governor Newsom, a Democrat, has charged that Trump is seeking to escalate the confrontation for political gain. 'Democracy is under assault right before our eyes,' he said in a televised address late Tuesday. 'California may be first, but it clearly won't end here.' Protesters hold signs during a protest against federal immigration operations at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles yesterday. — AFP pic Nationwide protests growing Despite Trump's threats to deploy the National Guard to other Democratic-run states over the objections of governors, protesters appear undeterred. Thousands marched in New York and Chicago late Tuesday. Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he was deploying the state's National Guard to counter a protest announced for San Antonio on Wednesday. Demonstrations were also planned Wednesday in New York, Seattle and Las Vegas ahead of what organizers say will be a nationwide 'No Kings' movement on Saturday, when Trump will attend a highly unusual military parade in the US capital. In a speech at an Army base on Tuesday, Trump warned that any protests during the Washington parade would face 'very heavy force.' The parade, featuring warplanes and tanks, has been organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army but also happens to be the day of Trump's 79th birthday. The last large military parade in Washington was in 1991 after the first Gulf War. 'Inflamed' situation The Trump administration is painting the protests as a violent threat to the nation, requiring military force to support regular immigration agents and police. On Tuesday he cited a 'full-blown assault on peace, on public order and national sovereignty' from a 'foreign enemy.' Protesters and the beleaguered Democratic opposition party say Trump is manufacturing a crisis that has little to do with expelling criminals in the US illegally. Newsom said Trump 'inflamed' the situation and went 'well beyond his stated intent to just go after violent and serious criminals. His agents are arresting dishwashers, gardeners, day laborers and seamstresses.' Footage obtained by AFP on Wednesday shows what appears to be federal agents ramming a car in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles. Some kind of smoke device is deployed and masked men with assault weapons order a man from the car, leaving what witnesses said was his wife and two children badly shaken. — AFP
