Latest news with #SEVP
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
How Not To Reform A University: Trump's Harvard Obsession
The messy scrap between the Trump administration and Harvard University was always more than a touch bizarre. On June 4, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation claiming that the university was 'no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs.' It had not pursued the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) in good faith and with transparency, nor adhered 'to the relevant regulatory frameworks.' The university had failed to furnish the government with sufficient information 'to identify and address misconduct', thereby presenting 'an unacceptable risk to our Nation's security'. The nature of that misconduct lay in foreign students supposedly engaged in any number of scurrilous acts vaguely described as 'known illegal activity', 'known dangerous and violent activity', 'known threats to other students or university personnel', 'known deprivation of rights of other classmates or university personnel', and whether those activities 'occurred on campus'. Harvard had failed to provide any useful data on the 'disciplinary records' of such students. (The information on three miscreants supplied in the lists were not just inadequate but useless.) Just to make Trump foam further, Harvard had 'also developed extensive entanglements with foreign countries, including our adversaries' and flouted 'the civil rights of students and faculty, triggering multiple Federal investigations.' While the proclamation avoids explicitly mentioning it, the throbbing subtext here is the caricatured concern that antisemitism has not been adequately addressed by the university. In various splenetic statements, the President has made no secret about his views of the university. On Truth Social, we find him berating the institution for 'hiring almost all woke, Radical left, idiots and 'birdbrains''. The university was also hectored through April by the multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism to alter its governance processes, admissions and hiring policies, and academic programs. The administration demanded via an April 11 letter to Harvard's president that a third party be hired to 'audit' the views of students, faculty, and staff to satisfy government notions of 'viewpoint diversity' that would also include the expulsion of specific students and the review of 'faculty hires'. Extraordinarily, the administration demanded that the audit 'proceed on a department-by-department, field-by-field, or teaching-unit-by-teaching unit basis as appropriate.' Harvard's refusal to accede to such demands led to a freezing of over $2.2 billion in federal funding. On May 22, the Department of Homeland Security cancelled Harvard's means of enrolling students through the SEVP program or employ J-1 non-immigrants under the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP). In its May 23 filing in the US District Court for Massachusetts, the university contended that such actions violated the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act. They were 'in clear retaliation for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights to reject the government's demands to control Harvard's governance, curriculum, and the 'ideology' of its faculty and students.' The June 4 proclamation proved to be another sledgehammer wielded by the executive, barring non-immigrants from pursuing 'a course of study at Harvard University [under the SEVP program] or to participate in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University'. The university successfully secured a temporary restraining order on June 5 preventing the revocation from taking effect. On June 23, US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs granted the university's request for a preliminary injunction, extending the temporary order. 'The case,' wrote Burroughs, 'is about core constitutional rights that must be safeguarded: freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech, each of which is a pillar of a functioning democracy and an essential hedge against authoritarianism.' The 'misplaced efforts' by the government 'to control a reputable academic institution and squelch diverse viewpoints seemingly because they are, in some instances, opposed to this Administration's own views, threaten these rights.' On July 21, the parties again did battle, this time over the matter of restoring the money frozen in federal research grants. Burroughs made no immediate decision on the matter but barely hid her scepticism about the government's actions and inclinations. 'If you can make decisions for reasons oriented around free speech,' she put to Justice Department senior attorney Michael Velchik, 'the consequences are staggering to me.' Harvard's attorney Steve Lehotsky also argued that the demands of the government impaired the university's autonomy, going beyond even that of dealing with antisemitism. These included audits of viewpoint diversity among the faculty and students, and changes to the admissions and hiring processes. The demands constituted 'a blatant, unrepentant violation of the First Amendment.' The issue of withdrawing funding was also argued to be a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which requires an investigation, the holding of a hearing, and the release of findings before such a decision was made. Velchik, very much in the mood for sophistry, made less on the antisemitism issue than that of contractual interpretation. Under government contracts with institutions, language always existed permitting the withdrawal of funding at any time. If Trump was serious about the MAGA brand, then attacking universities, notably those like Harvard, must count as an act of monumental self-harm. Such institutions are joined hip and all to the military-industrial-education complex, keeping America gorged with its complement of engineers, scientists and imperial propagandists. Harvard has also shown itself willing to march to the music of the Israel lobby, which happily provides funds for the institution. The heft of that influence was made clear by a decision by the university's own Kennedy School to deny a fellowship to former head of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, in early 2023. While the decision by the morally flabby dean, Douglas Elmendorf, was reversed following much outrage, the School had displayed its gaudy colours. Little wonder, given the presence of the Wexner Foundation, responsible for sponsoring the attendance of top-ranked Israeli generals and national security experts in a Master's Degree program in public administration at the university. Trump is partially right to claim that universities and their governance structures are in need of a severe dusting down. But he has shown no interest in identifying the actual problem. How wonderful it would be, and most unlikely, to see actual reforms in university policies that demilitarise funding in favour of an enlightened curriculum that abominates war.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump admin renews demand for Harvard foreign student info: ‘We tried to do things the easy way'
The Department of Homeland Security subpoenaed Harvard University on Wednesday over its failure to provide documents concerning the misconduct or criminal actions of foreign students. 'We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard. Now, through their refusal to cooperate, we have to do things the hard way,' said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. 'Harvard, like other universities, has allowed foreign students to abuse their visa privileges and advocate for violence and terrorism on campus. If Harvard won't defend the interests of its students, then we will.' About 27% of Harvard's undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data. A Harvard spokesperson said the university is 'committed to following the law' and described the subpoena as 'unwarranted.' 'The administration's ongoing retaliatory actions come as Harvard continues to defend itself and its students, faculty, and staff against harmful government overreach aimed at dictating whom private universities can admit and hire, and what they can teach. Harvard remains unwavering in its efforts to protect its community and its core principles against unfounded retribution by the federal government,' the spokesperson said. The subpoena is the second one Harvard has received in less than two weeks. On June 26, Harvard was told to provide additional documents and communications related to an investigation into Ivy League institutions raising tuition prices and 'price discrimination by offering selective financial aid packages to maximize profits.' Read more: Here are 5 of the biggest effects on higher ed in the 'Big Beautiful Bill' The subpoena comes after U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem demanded that Harvard provide information about the criminality and misconduct of foreign students on its campus in April. Included in the request are any relevant records, communications, and other documents relevant to the enforcement of immigration laws since January 1, 2020. Noem said the university failed to provide enough information and ordered the department to terminate the university's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification on May 22, which allows the university's international students to study there. As a result, Harvard opened a second lawsuit against the federal government looking for a temporary restraining order, which was granted by a federal judge. Following the revocation attempt, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation that barred Harvard's international students from entering the country to study. He also directed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider stopping the processing of Harvard student visas. A temporary restraining order blocked that, and the State Department ordered embassies around the world to resume processing Harvard University student visas. Both temporary restraining orders were effectively replaced by a pair of preliminary injunctions. While the legality of the case still needs to be made, the injunctions provide a pause until that happens. Harvard has a separate lawsuit in reaction to the federal government freezing or cutting nearly $3 billion in federal funding, citing antisemitism at Harvard. Trump admin threatens Harvard's accreditation over antisemitism response Here are 5 of the biggest effects on higher ed in the 'Big Beautiful Bill' 'A day of loss': Boston University to lay off 120 people citing federal funding impacts Trump's antisemitism probe mostly relies on Harvard's own report, Harvard claims Judge extends restraining order in MIT, universities' lawsuit against DOD Read the original article on MassLive.
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
DHS subpoenas Harvard in probe into foreign student exchange program
The Trump administration has subpoenaed Harvard University in its probe into the elite college's foreign student exchange program — after the Department of Homeland Security said the institution refused to cooperate. On Wednesday, DHS accused the Ivy League school of refusing to voluntarily comply with past requests and is now seeking to compel Harvard to fork over information on its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 'We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard. Now, through their refusal to cooperate, we have to do things the hard way,' DHS Secretary Kristi Noem declared. Advertisement 'Harvard, like other universities, has allowed foreign students to abuse their visa privileges and advocate for violence and terrorism on campus.' 4 DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is after key documents from Harvard University over its student exchange program. Ron Sachs/CNP / Advertisement 4 Harvard University has been engaged in a monthslong battle with the Trump administration. AFP via Getty Images The administrative subpoenas will force Harvard to furnish communications, records and other information dating back to Jan. 1, 2020, relating to how the elite university has enforced immigration laws. Fox News first reported on the subpoenas. The probe is also investigating the 'criminality and misconduct' of students on campus, particularly those involved in its student exchange program. Noem had made requests for that material on April 16 and on May 22, she directed DHS to cut off its certification of Harvard's SEVP. Advertisement 'If Harvard won't defend the interests of its students, then we will,' Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. Failure to adhere to administrative subpoenas could lead to criminal charges, contempt of court or other types of punishment. A spokesperson for Harvard told The Post that the Ivy League school is 'committed to following the law.' 'While the government's subpoenas are unwarranted, the University will continue to cooperate with lawful requests and obligations, the spokesperson added. Advertisement 'The administration's ongoing retaliatory actions come as Harvard continues to defend itself and its students, faculty, and staff against harmful government overreach aimed at dictating whom private universities can admit and hire, and what they can teach.' 4 President Trump's team has been cracking down on colleges and universities across the country. Ron Sachs/CNP / The administrative subpoenas against Harvard come amid a broader feud between the Ivy League and the Trump administration. Back in March, the Departments of Education, General Services Administration, and the Health and Human Services unveiled plans to comb through Harvard's federal grants. Roughly two weeks later, the Trump administration outlined a series of demands, such as ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; and cracking down on antisemitism on campus — in order to keep receiving contracts and grants from the federal government. Harvard rejected those demands and filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to protect well over $2.2 billion in funding. The school also sued over the May move by DHS to revoke certification of Harvard's SEVP, which effectively meant that new foreign-born students couldn't enroll in Harvard and that existing ones would have to transfer to other schools. 4 Harvard University President Alan Garber has been negotiating with the Trump administration over its demands. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement An Obama-nominated district judge in Massachusetts promptly blocked that move by granting a temporary restraining order. 'Harvard remains unwavering in its efforts to protect its community and its core principles against unfounded retribution by the federal government,' the spokesperson added. The Ivy League school's lawsuit over federal funding is slated to have another hearing on July 21.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump administration formally subpoenas Harvard University over foreign student information
FIRST ON FOX: President Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent administrative subpoenas to Harvard University today over information related to the criminality and misconduct of foreign students on its campus. The agency criticized the Ivy League school's "refusal to cooperate" with past information requests regarding Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which provides visas for non-citizens to study in the US. "We tried to do things the easy way with Harvard," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. "Now, through their refusal to cooperate, we have to do things the hard way. Harvard, like other universities, has allowed foreign students to abuse their visa privileges and advocate for violence and terrorism on campus." "If Harvard won't defend the interests of its students, then we will." The administrative subpoena is the latest legal move in the battle between the Trump Administration and the elite university. The SEVP has been a key issue after anti-Semitic protests raged across campus amid Israeli and Palestinian conflicts, eventually forcing an apology from Harvard president Alan Garber. Sources at DHS told Fox News Digital that the subpoenas are the only option left for the agency after the university repeatedly refused non-coercive requests to provide the information. The department has been seeking relevant records, communications, and other documents related to immigration laws or crimes since January 1, 2020. Refusing to comply with an administrative subpoena carries heavy consequences such as civil penalties, criminal charges, contempt of court, and/or audits and inspections of an organization. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had previously requested Harvard to provide information regarding criminal misconduct in April of this year, pledging that noncompliance would result in revoking the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Harvard sent some information to DHS following the initial request, though Noem deemed the Ivy League University's data as an "insufficient, incomplete and unacceptable response." In late May, DHS moved to formally revoke Harvard's SEVP, impacting roughly a quarter of Harvard's student body and preventing the university from issuing student visas and enrolling international students. Harvard responded to Noem's canceling of the program with a lawsuit titled President and Fellows of Harvard College v. DHS, alleging that the Trump administration's decision to block the SEVP was unconstitutional and retaliatory. "It is the latest act by the government in clear retaliation for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights to reject the government's demands to control Harvard's governance, curriculum, and the "ideology" of its faculty and students," Harvard wrote in its May complaint. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs of Massachusetts, who was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2014, then granted a temporary restraining order request from Harvard after the lawsuit was filed. The ongoing temporary restraining order allows Harvard to continue issuing visa documents and enrolling students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Fox News Digital reached out to Harvard University but did not receive a response. Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to and on X @MizellPreston
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US F-1, J-1 visa crisis: Agents can't get you interview slots, warn experts
Yes, there is a crisis in getting US visa slots for Indian students. But, no, agents, lawyers or even your college can't get you an appointment. Nearly two weeks after the US consulates resumed student visa interviews on June 26, Indian applicants are still scrambling. Appointments remain scarce, delays continue, and August travel plans are hanging by a thread. 'Right now, even though the US finally started releasing visa appointments again, it's honestly a mess. Slots open at random times, and they're gone in seconds,' Kajal Dave, co-founder of LaunchEd told Business Standard. 'Students with courses starting in August are freaking out because they've already paid lakhs in tuition, booked flights, and arranged housing—but can't get a visa appointment in time.' She added, 'We're talking about ₹10–30 lakh in tuition, another lakh or two for housing deposits, and at least ₹75,000 on flights. If they can't make it on time and the college won't let them defer, that's potentially ₹12–35 lakh down the drain. That's a huge hit for any family.' But there's little help available. Students desperate for a way out risk being targeted by agents who claim they can secure visa appointments. Experts say this is not only false, but dangerous. "Students should avoid unofficial representatives or shortcuts because these are more likely to result in scams or additional problems," said Mamta Shekhawat, founder at Advocate Sharanya Tripathi, associate at Jotwani Associates, echoed the caution. 'Students should book exclusively through official US portals such as since no agent has the authority to expedite or guarantee visa approvals,' she said. Tripathi explained that students should: • Check if the consultancy is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs • Look for affiliations like AAERI • Avoid anyone claiming 'special access' or asking for cash payments without receipts • Confirm that the university is certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) • Keep records of every transaction and conversation • Contact the US Embassy if in doubt • Plan early to avoid last-minute scams If you've been scammed, here's what you can do Students who have already fallen prey to fake agents can still act. Tripathi advised the following legal steps under Indian law: • File an FIR at the local police station under Section 316 (criminal breach of trust) and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Lodge a complaint at [ with all emails, messages, and payment proofs • Approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 • Seek remedies under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 if personal data was misused • Send legal notices and consider civil suits for refund recovery • Report the fraud to US agencies like the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Homeland Security • Inform the US college involved, as they may offer guidance or support What support can students expect from universities? 'What's important right now is for students to stay disciplined in how they engage: avoid falling for misinformation, keep checking official portals consistently, and maintain a direct line with their university's in-country staff or representatives,' said Siddharth Iyer, chief operating officer at OneStep Global. 'If the current situation doesn't ease in the coming days, we may see more institutions proactively step in with bridging solutions but clarity on that will only come closer to the course start window,' he added. Shekhawat said most US colleges try to support students affected by visa delays. 'They might request students to postpone their admissions by a semester or an academic year while keeping their acceptance intact,' she said. 'Some colleges even correspond directly with US consulates for urgent cases or issue new I-20 forms.' Is there a legal or emergency route for those stuck? 'There are a few pathways, though none are easy,' said Iyer. 'Students with fast-approaching course start dates can apply for emergency appointments provided they have the necessary documentation and proof of urgency. But approvals aren't guaranteed, and availability remains thin.' Some universities are offering remote start or temporary deferrals, but not all programmes, especially undergraduate ones, are structured to support that. Why are US visa slots still so scarce? Several factors have created a bottleneck in the visa process: • Peak demand for fall semester in August • Limited consular staff and processing capacity • Enhanced vetting, including social media checks Can education consultants help? Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said consultants can play a support role but not fix the root issue. 'Reputable education consultants can't fast-track a visa appointment, but they can prepare documents properly, help with emergency requests, and liaise with universities for deferrals,' he said. 'They can also guide students through the interview process, which is crucial given the current scrutiny,' Anand added. 'It's important to only work with well-established firms to avoid misinformation and fraud.'
