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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Explained: What is the J-1 visa and why is Harvard's use of it under scrutiny?
Trump opens new investigation into Harvard's use of international visa programs. The J-1 visa, once a symbol of educational exchange and soft diplomacy — is now at the center of a growing political battle between the US government and one of its most prestigious universities. As the State Department launches an investigation into Harvard's compliance with the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, international students and academics around the world are watching closely. Here's what the J-1 visa is, how it works, and why it's being politicised now. What is the J-1 visa and who uses it? The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to foreign nationals participating in approved cultural and educational exchange programs. It was created in 1961 under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The program aims to promote mutual understanding between the US and other countries through academic, research, and cultural experiences. It is used by: Visiting scholars and postdoctoral researchers University students on short-term exchanges Professors and lecturers Medical trainees Teachers, interns, au pairs, and summer workers In 2024 alone, over 300,000 exchange visitors entered the US on J-1 visas. Why does Harvard use the J-1 visa program? Harvard, like many top US universities, relies heavily on the J-1 visa to host international scholars, researchers, and visiting faculty. These individuals often come to the university for: Academic fellowships Joint research projects Global think tank collaborations Guest lectures or temporary teaching positions Many graduate students, especially in the sciences and humanities, also participate in short-term academic exchanges using the J-1 visa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Even Beautiful Women Have Their 'Oops' Moments Read More Undo For Harvard, the visa program is crucial to maintaining its global academic networks and upholding its identity as an international research powerhouse. Why is the US government investigating Harvard? On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department had launched a formal investigation into Harvard's sponsorship of J-1 visa holders. The department will assess whether Harvard has complied with regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program and whether its actions undermine US foreign policy objectives or compromise national security. In May, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the university's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a move that was quickly overturned by a federal judge. This was followed by a presidential proclamation aimed specifically at Harvard, seeking to restrict the entry of foreign students associated with the university. Around the same time, the administration froze more than $2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard, further escalating tensions. These measures were set against the backdrop of Harvard's refusal to comply with the demands of a federal task force, which had proposed government oversight of its admissions and hiring practices. The university has strongly pushed back, calling the investigation politically motivated and a violation of its First Amendment rights. How does this affect international students? While the immediate investigation is limited to Harvard, the implications are broader. If the university's sponsorship privileges are suspended or restricted, thousands of students and scholars could lose their visa status, face travel disruptions, or be barred from entering the US. It also creates uncertainty for future applicants considering the US as a destination for education, research, or career growth. For now, Harvard is continuing to support its international community and helping students prepare for the fall semester. The bigger picture: Education, politics, and global talent This isn't just a visa issue, it's a reflection of a larger battle over academic freedom, immigration, and national identity. With the Trump administration taking a harder stance on elite universities, particularly those perceived as politically or culturally oppositional, visa programs have become part of the leverage. International education advocates worry that this could lead to a chilling effect on US higher education, driving top global talent to countries like Canada, Australia, or Germany. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Why the Fulbright scholarship program is facing a crisis under Trump's oversight
Fulbright board resigns over blocked awards and unauthorized reviews under Trump. (AI Image) The prestigious Fulbright scholarship program, a cornerstone of US diplomatic and academic exchange for nearly 80 years, is facing a deepening crisis under President Donald Trump's administration. Designed to promote international understanding and academic excellence, the program is now caught in a storm of political interference and resignations that threaten its integrity and global reputation. A wave of resignations has shaken the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, with nearly all members stepping down in protest. In a public statement, the board members accused the Trump administration of unlawfully meddling in the selection process by denying scholarships to recipients who had already been approved to study and teach in the US and abroad. As reported by the Associated Press, the board declared that continuing to serve "would risk legitimizing actions we believe are unlawful and damage the integrity of this storied program and America's credibility abroad. " Board accuses administration of overreach According to the Associated Press, board members stated that the administration overrode their authority by blocking a substantial number of already-selected candidates, and launching an unauthorized review of an additional 1,200 foreign awardees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo These scholars, previously approved to travel to the US, are now subject to a secondary evaluation process that could lead to their rejection. The board emphasized that these actions contradict both the letter and spirit of the Fulbright-Hays Act, which established the program with protections from political influence. The Fulbright program, which awards approximately 9,000 scholarships annually in over 160 countries, is known for supporting a wide range of academic fields. The canceled scholarships affected students and scholars in disciplines such as biology, engineering, agriculture, music, medical sciences, and history. Selection has traditionally been managed by nonpartisan staff at the State Department and foreign embassies, with the board providing final approvals. Administration calls board members 'political appointees' The State Department, which oversees the program, dismissed the board's claims, describing the resignations as a political stunt. As quoted by the Associated Press, the department stated, "It's ridiculous to believe that these members would continue to have final say over the application process, especially when it comes to determining academic suitability and alignment with President Trump's Executive Orders. " The department added that the board members were partisan appointees of former President Joe Biden. One remaining board member, Estrada-Schaye, told the Associated Press, "I was appointed by the president of the United States and I intend to fill out my term." Broader scrutiny of international students intensifies The controversy surrounding the Fulbright program is part of a broader pattern of increased scrutiny of international students under the Trump administration. According to the Associated Press, the government has expanded grounds for revoking foreign students' legal status, paused new visa interviews, increased social media vetting, and pressured institutions like Harvard University to implement reforms. Former board members expressed hope that Congress, the courts, and future boards will defend the Fulbright program from what they called attempts to "degrade, dismantle, or even eliminate" a pillar of American diplomacy, as reported by the Associated Press. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Fulbright Board Resigns, Citing Unlawful Interference by the Trump Administration
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The dozen board members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board voted to resign, effective immediately. The reason for their resignation is the political interference of the Trump administration, which rejected some 200 Fulbright scholars who were previously approved by the board. The board wrote in their resignation statement, 'the current administration has usurped the authority of the Board and denied Fulbright awards to a substantial number of individuals who were selected for the 2025-2026 academic year. The administration is also currently subjecting an additional 1,200 foreign Fulbright recipients to an unauthorized review process and could reject more. We believe these actions not only contradict the statute but are antithetical to the Fulbright mission and the values, including free speech and academic freedom, that Congress specified in the statute.' The Fulbright program was established in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright, a Democrat from Arkansas, and formalized in 1961 with the Fulbright-Hays Act, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy. The State Department manages the program. 'The bipartisan Fulbright Board was mandated by Congress to be a check on the executive and to ensure that students, researchers and educators are not subjected to the blatant political favoritism that this administration is known for,' Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, said in a statement, per the New York Times. 'While I understand and respect the bipartisan Fulbright Board for resigning en masse rather than grant credibility to a politicized and unlawful process, I am painfully aware that today's move will change the quality of Fulbright programming and the independent research that has made our country a leader in so many fields.' The Fulbright board noted, 'Our resignation is not a decision we take lightly. But to continue to serve after the Administration has consistently ignored the Board's request that they follow the law would risk legitimizing actions we believe are unlawful and damage the integrity of this storied program and America's credibility abroad. Indeed, the erosion of the Fulbright program weakens America and our national security interests. Institutions and the rule of law matter and have distinguished our country for almost 250 years.' They concluded, 'It is our sincere hope that Congress, the courts, and future Fulbright Boards will prevent the administration's efforts to degrade, dismantle, or even eliminate one of our nation's most respected and valuable programs. Injecting politics and ideological mandates into the Fulbright program violates the letter and spirit of the law that Congress so wisely established nearly eight decades ago.' Read the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board's full resignation statement, here. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
Axios
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Entire Fulbright board quits, citing Trump administration interference
All 12 members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board resigned on Tuesday, saying that the Trump administration "has usurped the authority of the Board" and denied a "substantial" number of its chosen recipients. Why it matters: It's the latest example of the Trump administration's attempts to reconfigure higher education anywhere that it has influence. Driving the news: The board resigned in an open letter, calling the Trump administration's actions "unprecedented," and "impermissible under the law." The board alleged that the current administration not only denied Fulbright awards to individuals that the board had chosen for the 2025-2026 academic year, but that it is also currently subjecting 1,200 foreign Fulbright recipients to an "unauthorized review process and could reject more." The board said that this contradicts the Fulbright-Hays Act, which gives the board final approval authority of applicants. The State Department did not respond to an immediate request for comment, and the board's chairman referred Axios to the statement. What they're saying: The board said that the Trump administration's meddling was out of step with the program's "bipartisan" history. "Under Democratic and Republican administrations alike, the Board has followed the law, operating with independence pursuant to its statutory mandate," the board wrote. "Injecting politics and ideological mandates into the Fulbright program violates the letter and spirit of the law that Congress so wisely established nearly eight decades ago." The board also said that it has raised its legal objections to senior administration officials "on multiple occasions," but that they have "refused to acknowledge or respond."
