Latest news with #StudentandExchangeVisitor
Muscat Daily
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
US: New student visa appointments to be halted
Washington, D.C., US – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered new appointments for students visas to be halted in an internal State Department communication. In the cable, first reported by magazine Politico, Rubio said that the department sought to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants. Consular sections were advised to halt scheduling these types of visa appointments. 'The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants,' the Reuters news agency quoted text from the cable. Trump administration officials have said that student visa and green card holders are subject to deportation over pro-Palestinian activism or support. A Turkish Tufts University student was held for over six weeks in an immigration detention centre in Louisiana after co-authoring an opinion piece criticising her school's response to Israel's war in Gaza. She was released from custody after being granted bail by a federal judge. Last week a judge blocked the White House's bid to halt Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students after the school sued the Trump administration. Harvard called the revocation a 'blatant violation' of the US Constitution. Harvard students rally Students at Harvard University rallied on Tuesday after Donald Trump's administration said it is seeking to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the university. Doubling down its effort to curtail the university's autonomy, the Trump administration has asked the federal agencies to cut contracts worth US$100mn at Harvard. Hundreds of students gathered to protest against Trump administration's actions against the university which has refused to give up control of curriculum, admissions and research. 'Trump = traitor', read one student placard. The crowd chanted 'who belongs in class today, let them stay' in reference to Harvard's international students whose status Trump has upended by revoking the university's accreditation to the country's Student and Exchange Visitor programme. The termination of the remaining contracts would mark the end of business ties between the government and a university that is the country's oldest and a research powerhouse. The US government has already cancelled more than US$2.6bn in federal research grants for the Ivy League university. NPR sues Trump Meanwhile, National Public Radio and three of its local stations are suing President Donald Trump, arguing that his executive order cutting funding to the 246-station network violates free speech. The American public broadcasting organisation, along with local stations Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KSUT Public Radio, want Trump's order blocked and declared unconstitutional. Earlier this month, Trump ordered the withdrawal of funding for NPR and for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The executive order stated that taxpayer subsidies for what he termed 'partisan media' would be ended. DW
Observer
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
US suspends student visa processing
Cambridge, United States - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday ordered a suspension of student visa processing in the latest swipe at foreign students in the country. The White House is cracking down on foreign students at US universities, revoking visas and deporting those involved in protests against the war in Gaza. A cable signed by Rubio and seen by AFP orders embassies and consulates not to allow "any additional student or exchange visa appointments" until further guidance is issued. The government also plans to ramp up vetting of the social media profiles of international applicants to US universities, the cable said. The move came as Harvard students protested after the government announced its intention to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the elite school, Trump's latest attempt to force the institution to submit to unprecedented oversight. Hundreds of students gathered to oppose Trump's widening offensive, including Tuesday's measures estimated to be worth $100 million, against the university that has drawn his ire for refusing to give up control of curriculum, admissions and research. "Trump = traitor" read one student placard, while the crowd chanted "who belongs in class today, let them stay" about Harvard's international students whose status Trump has upended by summarily revoking the university's accreditation to the country's Student and Exchange Visitor program. A judge issued a restraining order pending a hearing on the matter scheduled for Thursday, the same day as the university's commencement graduation ceremony for which thousands of graduating students and their families had gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. The White House, meanwhile, doubled down in its offensive, saying that public money should go to vocational schools that train electricians and plumbers. "The president is more interested in giving that taxpayer money to trade schools and programs and state schools where they are promoting American values, but most importantly, educating the next generation based on skills that we need in our economy and our society," Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News Tuesday evening. " Tuesday's protest unfolded as news helicopters hovered overhead and graduating students in academic attire and their guests ate finger food at a reception on the lawns of Harvard Square nearby. "All my international friends and peers and professors and researchers are at risk and (are) threatened with being deported -- or their option is to transfer" to another university, said Alice Goyer, who attended the protest wearing a black academic gown. One history of medicine student from Britain graduating this week, who gave his name only as Jack, said that the policies pursued by Trump would make US universities less attractive to international students. "I don't know if I'd pursue a PhD here, six years is a long time," he said. Harvard itself has filed extensive legal challenges against Trump's measures, which legal experts say are likely to be overturned by the courts.
Mint
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Trump-Harvard row: Students march after US plans to cut remaining contracts, raise concern for foreign peers
Harvard students held a protest on Tuesday following the U.S. government's announcement that it plans to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the university. This move is the latest attempt by President Donald Trump to compel the prestigious institution to accept unprecedented federal oversight. Hundreds of students gathered to oppose Trump's widening offensive, including Tuesday's measures estimated to be worth $100 million, against the university that has drawn his ire for refusing to give up control of curriculum, admissions and research. "Trump = traitor", read one student placard, while the crowd chanted "who belongs in class today, let them stay" in reference to Harvard's international students whose status Trump has upended by summarily revoking the university's accreditation to the country's Student and Exchange Visitor program. A judge issued a restraining order pending a hearing on the matter scheduled for Thursday, the same day as the university's commencement graduation ceremony for which thousands of graduating students and their families had gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts near Boston. The White House, meanwhile doubled down in its offensive, saying that instead of Harvard public money should go to vocational schools that train electricians and plumbers. 'The president is more interested in giving that taxpayer money to trade schools and programs and state schools where they are promoting American values, but most importantly, educating the next generation based on skills that we need in our economy and our society. We need more of those in our country, and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News Tuesday evening. Tuesday's protest unfolded as news helicopters hovered overhead and graduating students in academic attire and their guests ate finger food at a reception on the lawns of Harvard Square nearby. "All my international friends and peers and professors and researchers are at risk and (are) threatened with being deported -- or their option is to transfer" to another university. As a US student, it's my responsibility to speak out for them, said Alice Goyer, who attended the protest wearing a black academic gown. One history of medicine student from Britain graduating this week who gave his name only as Jack said that the policies pursued by Trump would make US universities less attractive to international students, even if the courts overturn the most damaging measures. "The cloud may pass, but the damage will be done," said Jack, whose parents had travelled from Britain for the graduation ceremony. Foreign students "who are here don't know where they stand, those overseas don't know if they'll be able to get back in... I don't know if I'd pursue a PhD here, six years is a long time," he added. Harvard itself has filed extensive legal challenges against the Trump measures, which legal experts say are likely to be overturned by the courts. Separately, alumni plan to file a lawsuit against Trump on June 9, filmmaker Anurima Bhargava told a virtual meeting staged by Crimson Courage, a grassroots alumni group that held a mass webinar to raise awareness and a fighting fund from former students. The cutting of contracts announced Tuesday, estimated by US media to be worth $100 million, would mark the slashing of business ties between the government and a university that is the country's oldest and a research powerhouse. Amid a broad campaign against seats of learning that Trump accuses of being hotbeds of liberal bias and anti-Semitism, the president has singled out Harvard for particular punishment. In the last few weeks, the elite educational powerhouse has seen billions of dollars in federal grants frozen and millions of dollars of federal contracts torn up. The university has sued both to block the revocation of its right to recruit and sponsor foreign students, 27 percent of its total roll, as well as to overturn the withdrawal of federal funding. A legal expert suggested Harvard could file a lawsuit to overturn the latest contract cuts as part of existing legal action. "The case is so strong that the court system is not going to step to the side and allow this... to go forward," said Albany Law School professor Ray Brescia. He said the Trump administration's assault on Harvard was so flawed that a higher court would likely strike down the campaign against the university if it were to challenge it on appeal. On Monday, Trump nonetheless vowed he would prevail in the increasingly public struggle, claiming that foreign students at Harvard included 'radicalized lunatics, troublemakers.'
RTHK
28-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Harvard students make a stand after US$100m cuts
Harvard students make a stand after US$100m cuts The Harvard Students for Freedom rally in support of international students at the university in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: AFP Harvard students protested after the US government said it intends to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the university, President Donald Trump's latest attempt to force the prestigious institution to submit to unprecedented oversight. Hundreds of students gathered to oppose Trump's widening offensive, including Tuesday's measures estimated to be worth US$100 million, against the university that has drawn his ire for refusing to give up control of curriculum, admissions and research. "Trump = traitor" read one student placard, while the crowd chanted "who belongs in class today, let them stay" in reference to Harvard's international students whose status Trump has upended by summarily revoking the university's accreditation to the country's Student and Exchange Visitor programme. A judge issued a restraining order pending a hearing on the matter scheduled for Thursday, the same day as the university's commencement graduation ceremony for which thousands of graduating students and their families had gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts near Boston. The White House, meanwhile, doubled down in its offensive, saying that instead of Harvard public money should go to vocational schools that train electricians and plumbers. "The president is more interested in giving that taxpayer money to trade schools and programmes and state schools where they are promoting American values, but most importantly, educating the next generation based on skills that we need in our economy and our society," press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News Tuesday evening. "We need more of those in our country, and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University." Tuesday's protest unfolded as news helicopters hovered overhead and graduating students in academic attire and their guests ate finger food at a reception on the lawns of Harvard Square nearby. "All my international friends and peers and professors and researchers are at risk and [are] threatened with being deported – or their option is to transfer" to another university, said Alice Goyer, who attended the protest wearing a black academic gown. "As a US student, it's my responsibility to speak out for them." One history of medicine student from Britain graduating this week who gave his name only as Jack said that the policies pursued by Trump would make US universities less attractive to international students, even if the courts overturn the most damaging measures. "The cloud may pass, but the damage will be done," said Jack, whose parents had travelled from Britain for the graduation ceremony. Foreign students "who are here don't know where they stand, those overseas don't know if they'll be able to get back in... I don't know if I'd pursue a PhD here, six years is a long time," he added. Alumni plan to file a lawsuit against Trump on June 9, filmmaker Anurima Bhargava told a virtual meeting staged by Crimson Courage, a grassroots alumni group that held a mass webinar to raise awareness and a fighting fund from former students. The cutting of contracts announced on Tuesday – estimated by US media to be worth US$100 million – would mark the slashing of business ties between the government and a university that is the country's oldest and a research powerhouse. (AFP)
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Harvard students march after Trump seeks to cut remaining contracts
The Trump administration's decision to terminate Harvard University's right to host foreign nationals has left nearly 6,800 international students in the US in limbo. PHOTO: REUTERS UNITED STATES - Harvard students protested on May 27 after the US government said it intends to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the university, President Donald Trump's latest attempt to force the prestigious institution to submit to unprecedented oversight. Hundreds of students gathered to oppose Mr Trump's widening offensive, including May 27's measures estimated to be worth US$100 million, against the university that has drawn his ire for refusing to give up control of curriculum, admissions and research. 'Trump = traitor' read one student placard, while the crowd chanted 'who belongs in class today, let them stay' in reference to Harvard's international students whose status Mr Trump has upended by summarily revoking the university's accreditation to the country's Student and Exchange Visitor program. A judge issued a restraining order pending a hearing on the matter scheduled for May 29, the same day as the university's commencement graduation ceremony for which thousands of graduating students and their families had gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts near Boston. May 27's protest unfolded as news helicopters hovered overhead and graduating students in academic attire and their guests ate finger food at a reception on the lawns of Harvard Square nearby. 'I'm graduating this week and not only is my last week as a Harvard student but it's a very important week as all my international friends and peers and professors and researchers are at risk and be threatened with being deported – or their option is to transfer' to another university, said Ms Alice Goyer, who attended the protest wearing a black academic gown. 'As a US student, it's my responsibility to speak out for them.' One history of medicine student from Britain graduating this week who gave his name only as Jack said that the policies pursued by Mr Trump would make US universities less attractive to international students. 'The cloud may pass but the damage will be done,' said the graduating student whose parents had travelled from Britain for the graduation ceremony, suggesting that the courts would likely overturn the most damaging measures. '(Foreign students) who are here don't know where they stand, those overseas don't know if they'll be able to get back in... I don't know if I'd pursue a PhD here, six years is a long time.' Harvard itself has filed extensive legal challenges against the Mr Trump measures, which legal experts say are likely to be overturned by the courts. Separately, alumni plan to file a lawsuit against Mr Trump on June 9, filmmaker Anurima Bhargava told a virtual meeting staged by Crimson Courage, a grassroots alumni group that held a mass webinar to raise awareness and a fighting fund from former students. The cutting of contracts announced on May 27 – estimated by US media to be worth US$100 million – would mark the slashing of business ties between the government and a university that is the country's oldest and a research powerhouse. Amid a broad campaign against seats of learning that Mr Trump accuses of being hotbeds of liberal bias and anti-Semitism, the president has singled out Harvard for particular punishment. In the last few weeks, the elite educational powerhouse has seen billions of dollars in federal grants frozen and millions of dollars of federal contracts torn up. The university has sued both to block the revocation of its right to recruit and sponsor foreign students, 27 per cent of its total roll, as well as to overturn the withdrawal of federal funding. A legal expert suggested Harvard could file a lawsuit to overturn the latest contract cuts as part of existing legal action. 'The case is so strong that the court system is not going to step to the side and allow this... to go forward,' said Albany Law School professor Ray Brescia. He said the Trump administration's assault on Harvard was so flawed that a higher court would likely strike down the campaign against the university if Mr Trump was to challenge it on appeal. On May 26, Mr Trump nonetheless vowed he would prevail in the increasingly public struggle, claiming that foreign students at Harvard included 'radicalised lunatics, troublemakers.' Professor of government Ryan Enos said that Mr Trump's campaign against Harvard had already made the United States less attractive as a destination for top scholars. 'I've already heard this from professors in other countries who say 'we encourage our best students to go to the United States',' he told AFP at the rally, adding 'we wonder if we can tell them that anymore.' AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
