Headline
U.S. President Trump Issues Order Prohibiting Entry of Harvard's Foreign Students in America
Harvard Slams Trump's Order Blocking International Students and Researchers
The Scoop
Harvard University has slammed President Donald Trump's decision to block the entry of its international students and researchers into the U.S. and revoke their visas. The White House justified this move as a national security issue, but Harvard sees it as a retaliatory and unhealthy assault on its First Amendment rights and academic freedom.
The Lowdown
In an audacious late-night order, Trump suspended the entry into the U.S. of any new Harvard University student or researcher under the F, M, or J student and exchange visitor visas. The president also ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking existing F, M, or J visas for existing Harvard students.
However, this move leaves international students attending other U.S. universities unaffected and provides an exception for Harvard students "whose entry is deemed in the national interest." The White House highlighted multiple grievances against the university, such as foreign adversaries taking advantage of "easy access to American higher education" and Harvard's refusal to share disciplinary records for foreign students.
Harvard's Response
In a fiery statement, Harvard University spokesperson Jason Newton said, "This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights...Harvard will continue to protect its international students."
A Look Behind the Scenes
This order is the latest salvo in an ongoing feud between the Trump administration and Harvard University. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, preventing it from enrolling international students. DHS demanded that Harvard share all international students' disciplinary records along with audio or video footage of any illegal, dangerous, or violent activity by any of them enrolled at the university within the last five years. However, this move was blocked by a federal judge after the university filed a suit accusing the Trump administration of violating its First Amendment rights.
What's the Buzz?
Harvard University currently hosts 6,793 international students, making up about 27% of its student population. This move could potentially shake up the academic landscape and diversity at the institution.
Parting Shot
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, "Admission to the United States to study at an 'elite' American university is a privilege, not a right. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the President's proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security concerns."
As the situation unfolds, Harvard has promised to keep supporting its international students and upholding its commitment to academic excellence and diversity.
Sources:
- Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Banning International Students At Harvard
- Harvard Barred From Enrolling International Students By Trump Administration
- Trump Bans Travel From 12 Countries
- The tension between Harvard University and President Donald Trump escalated once again with the recent Trump international student ban, which Harvard University sees as a retaliatory assault on its First Amendment rights and academic freedom in the realm of policy-and-legislation and general-news.
- The Trump international student ban, which aims to block the entry of international students and researchers at Harvard University under F, M, or J visas, has sparked controversy in the realm of politics, unsettling the academic landscape and diversity at the institution.
