Latest news with #StudentandExchangeVisitorProgram
Economic Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Harvard to share I-9 forms of university employees with DHS
Agencies Harvard University will hand over I-9 employment verification forms for most of its employees to the US Department of Homeland Security, as per a report by Harvard Crimson . The move follows a federal subpoena and inspection notice issued on July 8. The DHS initially asked for information related to staff working in Massachusetts Hall but later expanded the request to include all university employees from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025. I-9 forms used to confirm work authorization The I-9 form is a federal requirement for all US employers to verify an employee's legal authorization to work. Employees must declare their citizenship or immigration status and provide supporting documents. Harvard employs around 19,000 individuals, according to its website. Student employment records may be exempt As per the report, the university will not immediately turn over I-9 forms related to students in positions open only to students. Harvard is assessing whether these records fall under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects student education records. Harvard requests confidentiality from DHS In an internal email, Harvard Human Resources wrote, 'We have asked DHS to confirm that the records produced in response to this notice for any individual will be securely maintained by DHS and not shared outside DHS, that the documents will only be accessed by DHS personnel authorized to inspect such records, and that DHS will only use these records for the purposes authorized by law.'A university spokesperson declined to comment further on the situation. Additional subpoenas target international students DHS has also issued three separate subpoenas requesting information on international students' post-graduation employment, involvement in protests, and any disciplinary or criminal records. The Harvard International Office acknowledged the request and said it is evaluating it under applicable laws.'If the University determines we must provide such records that pertain to you, the University will contact you directly,' the HIO stated on its website. Federal scrutiny tied to immigration crackdown This is not the first time Harvard has come under federal review. Earlier this year, the DHS raised concerns about Harvard's role in hosting international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Just last week, the State Department opened a separate investigation into the university's handling of J-1 visas for international researchers and instructors. Wider pattern of I-9 audits under Trump administration The Trump administration has increased I-9 audits as part of its immigration enforcement efforts. These inspections have led to heavy penalties for other institutions and businesses found employing unauthorized workers. Harvard now joins a growing list of organizations facing intense regulatory scrutiny. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Zomato delivered, but did the other listed unicorns? As rates slide, who will grab the savings pie? MFs, insurers? Is it time for Tim Cook to bid bye to Apple? Regulators promote exchanges; can they stifle one? Watch IEX Stock Radar: Down over 20% from highs! Varun Beverages stock showing signs of trend reversal – time to buy? History tells us 'Hold' is equal to wealth creation: 11 large- and mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 37% In some cases parentage equals 'management with ability': 5 mid-caps from different sectors, which tick the right box Multibagger or IBC - Part 17: Margins are slim. Promoters are all in. Is this small cap the ultimate contrarian bet?
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why the US is targeting Harvard's J-1 visa programme amid broader political tensions
The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's use of the J-1 visa programme under the Exchange Visitor Program. The move is part of a broader federal campaign targeting Harvard's international activities, including its ties to China and student protest records. The University has been ordered to submit records within a week. The probe follows earlier visa-related actions and has already affected funding, legal proceedings, and international scholar entry into the US. The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program, which allows institutions to sponsor J-1 visas for international scholars, researchers, and certain students. The investigation, made public on a Wednesday, is the latest development in a series of federal actions scrutinising the University's international activities. As reported by The Harvard Crimson, the State Department did not allege specific misconduct in its public statement but said the inquiry aims to ensure such visa programmes 'do not run contrary to our nation's interests.' The department also reasserted that all sponsors must comply fully with visa regulations and support US foreign policy and national security objectives. J-1 visa programme under federal scrutiny The J-1 visa programme is part of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), which promotes cultural and educational exchange. Harvard, along with other universities, uses the programme to bring in international scholars and educators. The current investigation forms part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to exert oversight over institutions hosting foreign nationals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo According to The Harvard Crimson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Harvard President Alan M. Garber in a letter that the University must submit a comprehensive set of records related to its J-1 visa sponsorships within one week. A State Department spokesperson declined to specify what exact records have been requested. Connection to wider federal action This inquiry into the EVP follows earlier actions targeting Harvard's involvement in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a separate system managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees international student records for F-1 and M-1 visa holders. Harvard does not host students under M-1 visas. The Trump administration has raised concerns linking Harvard's international programmes to broader foreign policy and national security issues. The Harvard Crimson reported that the administration considers statements such as calls to cut military aid to Israel potentially valid grounds for revoking visas. The administration has also flagged Harvard's connections with China as possible national security risks. Obstacles faced by international visa holders Prior to the announcement of the State Department probe, international scholars on J-1 visas and students on F-1 visas had already begun encountering difficulties. In June, at least two incoming scholars were turned away at Boston airport, though Harvard later confirmed they were expected to be granted entry, according to The Harvard Crimson. In response to the investigation, Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton described the move as 'retaliatory' and argued it violates the University's First Amendment rights. He said Harvard 'continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community,' as quoted by The Harvard Crimson. Broader federal pressure on Harvard continues As reported by The Harvard Crimson, federal agencies have issued multiple demands to Harvard, including a subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requesting records on international students' post-graduation work under Optional Practical Training, as well as videos of student protests dating back to 2020. DHS previously warned the University it could lose its SEVP certification unless it produced detailed internal communications and protest records. After Harvard submitted a partial response, the DHS deemed the reply insufficient. In late May, the department revoked Harvard's SEVP certification, followed by an executive order by President Trump restricting entry for Harvard-bound students. A federal judge has since granted preliminary relief, blocking both actions. Investigations impact funding and institutional operations The federal crackdown has significantly affected Harvard's research funding. The University has filed a lawsuit in response to the freeze, with the case currently pending. The government's actions have already resulted in a loss of over $2 billion in federal research grants, The Harvard Crimson reported. Congress and federal agencies have opened more than a dozen investigations into Harvard, including probes into hiring and admissions practices, links to foreign governments, and antisemitism allegations. Senator Rubio has been directly involved, urging further scrutiny, including a recent call for the Treasury Department to investigate a Harvard-hosted event involving sanctioned Chinese officials. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
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First Post
24-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Trump administration opens investigation into Harvard's visa program eligibility
The US Department of State announced that it is opening an investigation into Harvard's eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program, marking US President Donald Trump's latest escalation against the Ivy League institution. read more A Harvard sign is seen at the Harvard University campus in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 27. Image used for representation. (Source: AFP) The US Department of State is opening an investigation into Harvard University's 'continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program.' On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move, marking US President Donald Trump's latest escalation against the Ivy League institution. The Trump administration has already been facing legal challenges over its attempts to block the university's ability to host international students. 'The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation's interests,' the top US diplomat said in a statement without offering further details about the investigation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The move came after the Trump administration first revoked Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program status in May. However, the order was blocked by the US federal judge Allison Burroughs. 'All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded,' Rubio said in the Wednesday statement. Trump vs Harvard In the past, the administration cited antisemitism on campus as a reason for halting the school's international student program. The Trump administration also accused Harvard of not providing the government with required information about its international students. 'To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States,' Rubio maintained. 'The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students,' he added. In the past, the State Department investigation specifically targeted people under J-1 visas, which the university says is 'to bring foreign nationals as professors, researchers, specialists and students to the University.' It is separate from the F-1 visa program that is strictly for students and is largely administered by the Department of Homeland Security. 'This investigation is yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights,' said Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton in a statement Wednesday. 'Harvard continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community and support them as they apply for U.S. visas and travel to campus this fall,' the statement continued. 'The University is committed to continuing to comply with the applicable Exchange Visitor Program regulations.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
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.
