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Boston Globe
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Trump vs. Harvard: Key hearing on student visa block set for Monday
It is 'well within the President's constitutional and statutory authority to govern the immigration and foreign affairs of the nation,' government lawyers wrote. 'That should be the end of this case.' Advertisement They also urged the court to reject Harvard's claims that Trump's order is discriminatory, violates the First Amendment, and would cause the university 'irreparable harm' if enacted. International students make up more than 27 percent of Harvard's total enrollment. Trump has repeatedly targeted the elite university since returning to the White House in January by Related : Trump's actions at Harvard and other elite schools are part of a larger effort to remake the higher education system, which he perceives to be a bastion of leftist bias, antisemitism, and discrimination against white people and men. Related : The hearing is set to begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. before US District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs, Advertisement If Harvard's latest request is granted, the order would extend temporary protections preserving the status quo that were enacted last Thursday. The legal fight over international students began last month when Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem Related : Harvard challenged the revocation in court and was granted temporary protections, but then Trump shifted tactics. On June 4, Trump also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review the status of current international students on a case-by-case basis to determine whether their visas should be revoked. Related : On Friday, Maureen Martin, who directs immigration services for the Harvard International Office, described the toll of Trump's actions on visa holders who planned to study or work at the university. In a court filing, Martin said an engineering scholar from China and another visa holder from India were turned back at Logan International Airport on June 5 and 6 because of Trump's proclamation. After the court blocked implementation of the order, the Washington Post Related : Advertisement A visa appointment for a visiting professor in Israel was canceled and an unidentified consulate refused to issue a visa to the chief executive of an executive education program affiliated with Harvard Medical School, Martin wrote. After the visa denial, the program canceled its partnership with the school, she said. Laura Crimaldi can be reached at
The Print
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Amid Trump move to ban foreign enrolment at Harvard, a ‘lifelong dream' at stake for Indian students
In a letter to the Harvard International Office, US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday ordered a stop to the enrolment of new international students at Harvard this year. Throwing the future of Harvard's current international students into uncertainty, her letter instructed 6,793 students from 147 nations to transfer to other institutions to retain legal immigration status. The Indian student, currently enrolled in a leadership development programme at Harvard Business School, shared in a LinkedIn post, 'The uncertainty we face as international students has never felt so stark.' New Delhi: Ever since Shreya Mishra Reddy read about the Trump administration banning international students from Harvard University, she has felt an 'overwhelming numbness.' Challenging the DHS, Harvard sued the Trump administration Friday morning. Later in the day, a federal judge blocked the DHS move to revoke Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP), which legitimises the entry and stay of eligible international students and exchange visitors in the US. However, students are reeling under the rapidly evolving situation. 'Will I be allowed back on campus? Will I get to finish what I started? Will I see my professors, my friends, my community again? None of us has answers. Today, nearly 27% of Harvard's student body is international. Thousands of us are now suspended in uncertainty—just like I am,' Reddy wrote in a long post. 'Today is difficult for me and so many of us.' Speaking to ThePrint over a call, a second-year postgraduate Indian student at Harvard Kennedy School called the current times 'extremely difficult'. 'Many of my fellow students come from countries like Palestine, China, and Russia, where speaking out against the government can be dangerous. Students from those regions—who have been vocal—are especially scared. The entire international student community remains shaken,' she said on the condition of anonymity. The ban, if implemented, could drastically reshape student demographics at Harvard, where international students currently account for 27.2% of enrolment. The largest contingents are, in descending order, from China, Canada, India, South Korea, and the UK. Terming the decision as 'unlawful' and 'unwarranted', Harvard, in an official statement, has informed its community about its legal moves. 'As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars. The Harvard International Office will provide periodic updates as new information becomes available,' the statement quoted university President Alan M. Garber as saying. He also addressed the international community directly, reaffirming Harvard's commitment to its global student body. 'For those international students and scholars affected by yesterday's action, know that you are vital members of our community. You are our classmates and friends, our colleagues and mentors, and our partners in the work of this great institution,' Garber said. 'Thanks to you, we know more and understand more, and our country and our world are more enlightened and more resilient. We will support you as we do our utmost to ensure that Harvard remains open to the world.' On Friday, an op-ed published in The Harvard Crimson, a student-run newspaper, said, 'Harvard's international students are among the most talented scholars in the world, contributing to the university and the United States in myriad ways. They enrich our classrooms and our campus life. Many go on to stay here long after they graduate, excelling in their fields and improving America for the benefit of us all.' Also Read: Feel free to hit my child—Indian parents' ground rule for good education. Toxic teachers oblige What led to the situation? Noem's letter says that Harvard's inability to satisfactorily respond to DHS requests—the first one issued 16 April this year—prompted the action. She stated that the DHS gave Harvard a second opportunity as a 'courtesy' but deemed its response insufficient again. Harvard failed to provide DHS with the records of international students suspected of participating in protests or unlawful activities over the past five years. 'As a result of your refusal to comply with multiple requests … while perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hámas sympathies, and employs racist diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, you have lost this privilege,' the letter said. 'It is a privilege to enrol foreign students, and it is also a privilege to employ aliens on campus … All universities must comply with Department of Homeland Security requirements … to maintain this privilege,' Noem wrote. 'This action should not surprise you and is the unfortunate result of Harvard's failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.' The DHS gave Harvard 72 hours to submit documentation of the conduct of non-immigrant students, including their disciplinary records, protest activity, and any threats or illegal behaviour. It warned Harvard that false information could result in criminal prosecution under federal law. Before this move, the Trump administration had stopped government funds to Harvard. Experts such as education consultants in India warn of chaos as Harvard international students are in limbo. Viral Doshi, a Mumbai-based education consultant, described the next 72 hours as 'critical' for affected students, especially undergraduates nearing transfer deadlines. 'Undergraduate transfer deadlines generally close by the end of March. Transfers typically happen in the second or third year. If a Harvard student has completed three years, transferring for a year is nearly impossible. Unless there are exceptional permissions,' Doshi told ThePrint. Doshi explained that transferring between universities involves more than paperwork. 'Universities must evaluate student academics, application materials, and recommendations. It is a time-consuming and highly detailed process. Unless Harvard actively intervenes, for instance, by contacting universities directly, it will be quite difficult for these students.' He also raised concerns for graduate students. 'Master's and PhD students are often involved in highly specialised research or coursework not easily replicated elsewhere. Transitioning to another institution mid-programme would be highly disruptive or practically unfeasible.' The Kennedy School student questioned the feasibility of transferring to another institution. 'If you are coming to the US and spending a huge amount of money, what is the point of leaving Harvard and settling for a diploma or certificate from another institution? The value of the Harvard brand is what brought many of us here,' she said. Sakshi Mittal, the founder of education consultancy University Leap, echoed Doshi's concerns. 'There is a lot of uncertainty among students, especially those applying for a US visa or who have already submitted their applications. Many of these students have not accepted offers from other universities based on a belief that their path to Harvard is secure. If this decision holds, they will be left scrambling for alternatives.' Mittal said the decision has shaken not only students at Harvard but also students of other US institutions. 'This move has triggered anxiety about the future of higher education in the US. We are getting calls from students heading to other American universities, asking if the DHS can take similar action against their institutions.' 'First came the mass visa revocations, which already had created a sense of hostility,' she said. 'Now, this ban has only deepened the unease. It is escalating an already fragile situation.' Alumni say it is ' unfortunat e' Several alumni, speaking to ThePrint, called the move 'unfortunate'. However, they said that they are hoping for its legal overturning or a resolution through negotiation. B. Nagarajan, a 2012 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, expressed deep concerns over the development, calling it a 'sad moment in the history of a great institution'. While hopeful, he acknowledged the emotional and symbolic weight of the situation. 'It pains me as a Harvard alum that things have come to this. The greatness of Harvard lies in its diversity—not just international students benefit from it. American students also gain immensely through exposure to a wide range of different global viewpoints. This kind of exchange, at such a high level, is what made Harvard the elite of elite institutions,' he told ThePrint. Another Harvard alumnus, a Supreme Court lawyer who requested anonymity, told ThePrint that for many Indian students, studying in the US or at Harvard is a lifelong dream and aspiration. 'Part of the value of studying at Harvard is the global experience—learning alongside a diverse international community,' the alumnus said. 'This decision will push students to start considering other countries as alternatives. It will undoubtedly impact the number of students choosing to pursue higher education in the US,' he said. Nagarajan suggested that the controversy should prompt introspection in Harvard, which could seek a balance in political and ideological opinions on its campus. 'Perhaps Harvard can also use this as an opportunity to reflect. Many have pointed out for a long time that the institution has become a hub for left-leaning activism. Even at the Kennedy School, where I studied, viewpoint diversity is lacking. Probably 90 to 95% or maybe 99% of the professors are Left of Centre,' he said. Preeti Dash, an alumna of Harvard Law School, said the move appears driven more by ideology than policy. 'This specific action, revoking Harvard's right to enrol international students, seems intended to instil fear. It is a power play, signalling that there will be consequences if institutions do not fall in line,' she told ThePrint. 'It is also about showing who is in control. But let us not forget, universities like Harvard hold immense influence, not just in terms of reputation but also financially,' she said. 'This is not just about student visas—it is part of a broader crackdown that Trump frames as a battle against 'woke culture' in American universities.' (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: India's pathshalas were inclusive institutions. Dalits, Brahmins studied together
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Congressman Ro Khanna Condemns Trump's Harvard Foreign Students Ban
Following the Donald Trump administration's decision to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students, US Congressman Ro Khanna criticised the move and challenged prominent tech figures including Elon Musk, Marc Andreessen, David Sacks, Chamath Palihapitiya, Vinod Khosla, and Reid Hoffman to defend the ban, stating that it cannot be justified on merit. Sharing a post on X, Khanna said, "Anyone from Silicon Valley willing to speak out against the Trump @JDVance ban on current and future international students at Harvard? I know @elonmusk, @DavidSacks, @pmarca, @chamath, @vkhosla, @reidhoffman that there is not a single tech leader who can defend this on the merits." Anyone from Silicon Valley willing to speak out against the Trump @JDVance ban on current and future international students at Harvard? I know @elonmusk @DavidSacks @pmarca @chamath @vkhosla @reidhoffman that there is not a single tech leader who can defend this on the merits. — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) May 23, 2025 Following Trump's order, Harvard University condemned the decision as unlawful and unwarranted and said that the decision "imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars." The university has filed a legal complaint and announced plans to seek a temporary restraining order as it pursues all available remedies. In a statement released on Friday, the Ofice of the President of the Harvard University said, "Yesterday, the federal government announced that it has revoked Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and stripped the University of its authority to sponsor F- and J- visas for international students and scholars for the 2025-26 academic year. The revocation continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence and to submit to the federal government's illegal assertion of control over our curriculum, our faculty, and our student body." Reassuring its international community, Harvard emphasised its commitment to defending academic freedom and pledged support to those impacted by the decision. It added, "We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action. It imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams. We have just filed a complaint, and a motion for a temporary restraining order will follow. As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars. The Harvard International Office will provide periodic updates as new information becomes available." Earlier on Thursday, the White House said, "Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right." It accused Harvard leadership of turning "their once-great institution into a hot-bed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators." In a statement to CNN, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, "They have repeatedly failed to take action to address the widespread problems negatively impacting American students and now they must face the consequences of their actions." Harvard and the Trump administration have been engaged in a conflict for months as the administration demands the university make changes to the programming of the institution, hiring and administration to remove on-campus antisemitism and remove what it termed "racist 'diversity, equity and inclusion' practices." The administration has targeted foreign students and employees, whom it believes were part of the contentious campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
5 Harvard students, recent graduates have visas pulled
The Harvard International Office announced Sunday that three students and two recent graduates from the university have had their student visas revoked amid the Trump administration's crackdown. The office did not release the students' names and said it has referred them to legal counsel. The reasoning for the revocation is unknown, but the office said it was made during a routine records review. 'Harvard deeply values the international students and scholars who travel here to learn and grow. The talent they bring to campus each day increases our ability to advance world-class discovery in fields that have meaningful impact on people's lives, while creating positive relationships and discourse that expand the horizons of people across our community. We are committed to continuing to support them,' the office wrote. A spokesperson for the university declined to comment. Numerous schools across the country have seen multiple international students lose their visas since the start of President Trump's second term. The administration's reasoning has not always been clear, but several high-profile cases have involved pulling visas and looking to deport students who were involved in last year's pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said hundreds of visas have been pulled. 'We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa,' Rubio told reporters late last month. 'I hope at some point we run out because we have gotten rid of all of them, but we're looking every day for these lunatics that are tearing things up.' Harvard is also in the hot seat with the administration as it threatens funding to the university unless it caves to demands to change its policies due to alleged inaction against antisemitism. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
07-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
5 Harvard students, recent graduates have visas pulled
The Harvard International Office announced Sunday that three students and two recent graduates from the university have had their student visas revoked amid the Trump administration's crackdown. The office did not release the students' names and said it has referred them to legal counsel. The reasoning for the revocation is unknown, but the office said it was made during a routine records review. 'Harvard deeply values the international students and scholars who travel here to learn and grow. The talent they bring to campus each day increases our ability to advance world-class discovery in fields that have meaningful impact on people's lives, while creating positive relationships and discourse that expand the horizons of people across our community. We are committed to continuing to support them,' the office wrote. A spokesperson for the university declined to comment. Numerous schools across the country have seen multiple international students lose their visas since the start of President Trump's second term. The administration's reasoning has not always been clear but several high-profile cases have involved pulling visas and looking to deport students who were involved in last year's pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said hundreds of visas have been pulled. 'We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa,' Rubio told reporters late last month. 'I hope at some point we run out because we have gotten rid of all of them, but we're looking every day for these lunatics that are tearing things up.' Harvard is also in the hot seat with the administration as it threatens funding to the university unless it caves to demands to change its policies due to alleged inaction against antisemitism.
