Latest news with #SEVP-approved
India Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
How are Harvard students coping with Trump's sudden visa order?
When the US government suddenly cancelled Harvard University's SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification, it sent shockwaves through the international student community. Many were left confused, worried, and scrambling to save their education and career plans.'It's been nothing short of destabilising,' says Aritra Ghosal, Founder and Director of One Step Global. 'Students had everything planned out—admissions, housing, finances. And then within 72 hours, everything was turned upside down. It's not just about Harvard. The message to international students is clear: your future here is not guaranteed.'advertisementCAREER DREAMS THROWN OFF TRACKFor many students, this is more than just a temporary glitch—it could change the entire course of their careers. 'Most international students choose the US not just for the degree, but for the global opportunities that come after,' Ghosal adds. 'Losing access to work options like OPT after graduation is not a small issue. It's a huge setback.'What makes it worse, he says, is the uncertainty. 'You don't know if transferring to another school will protect your visa, your credits, or even your chance to work in the U.S. after you graduate." It's like planning your career in the middle of a storm.'ADVISORS STEP IN TO HELP STUDENTS REBUILDAs students try to make sense of these sudden changes, education counsellors are stepping in to help.'When such unexpected changes happen, we act fast to reduce the damage,' says Rozy Efzal, Co-founder and Director at Invest4Edu. 'We first check if the student's visa status is still valid. If needed, we explore transferring them to other SEVP-approved colleges.'advertisementIf that's not possible due to visa delays, Efzal says they help students request deferrals so they don't lose their admission. 'We also tell all our students to have a backup plan—like applying to Canada, the UK, or Australia. That way, they don't lose a whole year if the US route doesn't work out.'The goal, she says, is to keep students legally safe and academically on track—without last-minute FROM COLLEGESWhile some students say Harvard's faculty and student groups have offered emotional support, the practical help has been limited.'Yes, people are checking in, but we're being told to wait and hope,' says Ghosal. 'That's not real support—it's just asking students to manage on their own.'He says what students need is clear communication, quick action, and backup systems that can actually help in a crisis—not just kind HEALTH TAKING A HITBeyond the paperwork and planning, students are struggling emotionally. The sudden policy change has left many feeling hurt and betrayed.'I've seen students panic, break down, and lose sleep,' Ghosal shares. We looked up to the US as a place of opportunity and fairness. Now it feels like we're just pawns in a political game.'This emotional toll is something Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, takes seriously. He believes that proper counselling should be part of every student's students face a lot—changing rules, stress, and pressure to make the right choices,' he says. Good counselling isn't a luxury anymore—it's essential. When students feel heard and supported, they can make better decisions about their future.A WORRYING MESSAGE TO THE WORLDExperts warn that these sudden shifts in US policy may push international students to look elsewhere.'We're already seeing students apply to US colleges and also keep backup options abroad,' Efzal says. 'This kind of uncertainty damages trust.'Ghosal agrees. 'If the US wants to keep attracting top talent from around the world, it needs to treat international students as contributors—not just as numbers.'For now, students are holding on, making backup plans, and trying to stay hopeful.'Planning your future shouldn't feel like managing a crisis,' says Ghosal. 'But right now, that's what it's become.'Tune InMust Watch
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Will U.S deport 10,000 foreign students after Donald Trump's Harvard ban? Here's what you should know
The Trump administration has blocked Harvard University from accepting foreign students. This action puts the future of 6,800 international students in doubt. Out of these, 800 students are from India, as per reports. These students were in the US on F-1 or J-1 visas, but now those visas are in danger since Harvard's certification has been revoked. Without this certification from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, Harvard can't legally admit foreign students anymore. Students who are about to graduate and get their degrees soon are safe, according to the report by India Today. Students have only 2 options, either join another SEVP-certified university, or face deportation, since they will lose their legal right to stay in the US. The Department of Homeland Security has given Harvard 72 hours to fix the situation. In these 3 days, if Harvard submits 6 specific records, it can get back the ability to enroll foreign students. Harvard Submission of Records Live Events Harvard must submit all of these records from the past 5 years, any records whether it's official or unofficial, including emails, videos, etc., about illegal activity by any non-immigrant student, whether it happened on or off campus. Any records showing dangerous or violent actions by any foreign student, again, on or off campus. All information about threats made by foreign students to other students or university staff. Any record of violating the rights of classmates or university staff by foreign students. Disciplinary records of all non-immigrant students enrolled in the past 5 years. Video or audio of protests on campus involving foreign students in the last 5 years. The Trump administration has been in a dispute with Harvard recently over 'campus antisemitism', and this may be linked to the decision, says reports. FAQs Q1. Will foreign students be deported from Harvard? Only if Harvard doesn't meet U.S. government rules in 72 hours. Q2. Can students transfer to another college? Yes, they can join another SEVP-approved university to stay legally.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Homeland Security Secy threatens US universities after Harvard's foreign student ban: 'Get your act together because we are coming'
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday issued a stark warning to universities across the country to 'get your act together,' following her decision to revoke Harvard University 's ability to enroll international students . Speaking on Fox News, Noem said, 'This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together because we are coming to make sure that these programs ... are facilitating an environment where students can learn, where they're safe and that they're not discriminated against based on their race or their religion.' Noem accused Harvard of creating a campus atmosphere that promotes violence, antisemitism, and collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party. 'Anti-Semitism will not be stood for, and any participation with a country or an entity or a terrorist group that hates America and perpetuates this kind of violence—we will stop it and we will not allow that to happen, especially in places where our kids need to grow up and really learn what this country is about, what the world is about, and what it means to promote freedom and liberty,' she added. The Department of Homeland Security's move to strip Harvard of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification impacts nearly 6,800 international students, who must now transfer to other SEVP-approved institutions or risk losing their legal status in the US starting from the 2025–26 academic year. Harvard has called the action unlawful and disruptive to its academic mission. This action is part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration to pressure elite universities into meeting federal demands tied to funding and tax exemptions. Harvard's refusal to curb pro-Palestinian protests and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies led to $2.6 billion in frozen research funding and threats to its tax-exempt status. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Other universities like Columbia have complied with federal demands to restore funding, while several others, including Cornell, Northwestern, Brown, and Princeton, face potential cuts. Faculty members at some institutions have urged administrations to form a joint defense pact against what they see as government overreach. Live Events Legal experts warn this signals a new federal blueprint demanding universities' loyalty to administration policies. As Harvard prepares to challenge the government's moves in court, Noem's warning signals heightened federal scrutiny over campus policies and international student programs nationwide.
