Donald Trump Stops Harvard Enrolling International Students

Published: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:22 pm

Trump Administration Halts Harvard's International Student Program, Sparking Legal Battle

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the academic world, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students. This decision, announced Thursday by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, effectively bars the prestigious university from admitting new international students and threatens the legal status of current ones.

The administration's rationale centers on allegations of Harvard fostering violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party. Secretary Noem stated that Harvard had ample opportunity to comply with federal demands regarding information about the conduct of foreign students but refused to do so. The DHS press release emphasized that admitting international students is a privilege, not a right, and that Harvard's non-compliance led to the revocation. This action follows the administration's previous cut of $2.7 million in DHS grants to the university.

However, the situation is far from settled. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in California has issued an injunction, preventing the government from reversing the legal status of already admitted students or arresting/transferring them until the case is resolved. This legal intervention offers a temporary reprieve for current international students.

Harvard, through spokesperson Jason Newton, has vehemently condemned the government's action, calling it unlawful and reaffirming its commitment to hosting international students and scholars. The dispute is now set to play out in the courts, with the White House and Harvard locked in a legal battle.

BNN's Perspective: This situation highlights the complex intersection of national security concerns, academic freedom, and immigration policy. While the administration's concerns about campus safety and potential foreign influence are valid, the abruptness of the action and the potential disruption to students' lives raise serious questions. A balanced approach that prioritizes both security and the academic pursuits of international students is crucial. The courts will ultimately determine the legality of the administration's actions, but the long-term impact on Harvard's reputation and the broader academic landscape remains to be seen.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Harvard University, international students, SEVP, Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security, antisemitism, Chinese Communist Party, immigration, legal battle, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, student visas, academic freedom, campus safety, foreign students, higher education, Trump administration, university, education, legal status.

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