President Donald Trump escalated his confrontation with Harvard, seeking another way to prevent international students from attending school after a judge blocks attempts to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll.
"I have determined that the entry of foreign nationals mentioned above is a U.S. interest because, in my judgment, Harvard's actions make it an inappropriate destination for foreign students and researchers," Trump said Wednesday, in his "travel ban" restricting entry into the US announcement to limit foreigners' itineraries to limit foreigners' restrictions.
"This is another illegal retaliation step taken by the government in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights," the university said in a statement. "Harvard will continue to take steps to protect the rights of our international students and scholars, members of our community are crucial to the university's academic mission and community, and the existence here benefits our country incredible." The university did not start from time to answer questions about how its plans would respond to the declaration.
The State Department reportedly directed the embassy and consulate to raise the review of visa applicants who wish to travel to Harvard University for any purpose, and the announcement was made several days later. Last week, the State Department suspended arrangements for new student visa interviews at embassies around the world to strengthen scrutiny of applicants’ social media accounts, citing concerns about anti-Semitism and terrorism.
Harvard also faces threats to cut federal funds and the revocation of its tax-free status. The University, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of several elite higher education institutions in the United States that have been attacked by the Trump administration.
This is something to know.
What is the role of the latest announcement?
The announcement suspended entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in the Harvard Trading Program, which took effect immediately. After 90 days, the extension will be re-evaluated; otherwise, it will expire within six months.
The announcement applies to those who attempt to enter the country to attend Harvard University through the Student Exchange Visa Program. It is not suitable for those attending other universities through SEVP. It also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "consider" the case by case whether foreign nationals attending Harvard University have been in the United States under F, M or J visas should be revoked.
The order allows for "entering in the national interest" as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem or his respective designated personnel.
Read more: Harvard international students are in trouble in legal battle against Trump administration
Harvard currently has nearly 7,000 international students, representing more than a quarter of its participants. Several universities around the world have proposed to accept affected students.
If international students are forced to transfer, Harvard will suffer financially, as many international students pay full tuition and other related attendance fees, with undergraduates reaching about $87,000 a year per year and for some graduate students, it may be $102,000 a year per year.
The latest announcement comes as Trump's second administration has tried to cancel visas for thousands of international students across the country and then suddenly reverse courses. Recently, the government has also targeted students from China, who accounted for a quarter of all international students in the United States, citing national security concerns.
Why is Trump targeting Harvard?
According to the latest announcement, the government concluded: “Harvard is no longer a trusted butler for international students and exchange visitors programs.”
The declaration demonstrates concern about crime; insufficient cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security; foreign entanglement, including with China; and suspected civil rights violations.
"The crime rate at Harvard University, including violent crime rates, has risen dramatically in recent years," the announcement added that the university "has failed to have at least some violations on campus."
It also claimed that Harvard “rejected information on “known illegal activities” of foreign students, “known dangers and violent activities”, “known threats to other students or university personnel, “known deprivation of rights of other classmates or university personnel”, and whether these activities occur on campus, and other related data. "It concluded: "Harvard's actions show that it either did not fully report its foreign students' disciplinary records or did not seriously policing them. ”
Announcement also quoted student newspapers Harvard CrimsonThe university reported earlier this year that the university has received more than $150 million in funding from foreign governments, more than any Ivy League companion. A university spokesperson told crimson These donations are used to fund financial aid and education and operational expenses. Trump's latest announcement also quoted a May letter from the Republican-led Chinese Communist Party's Selected Committee, which accused "Harvard repeatedly presided over and trained members of the CCP paramilitary organization."
Finally, it was announced that Harvard “continues to weaken the civil rights of its students and faculty.” It mentions the Supreme Court case in 2023 Fair Admissions Students, Inc. v. Harvard College President and Fellowwhere admission policies that view race as a factor were ruled unconstitutional to show that the university engages in “blatant”, “blatant”, “discrimination against unfavorable races.” The declaration stated that Harvard University continues to “deny equal opportunities for hard-working Americans” while “admitting students from non-ruling countries, including those seeking to undermine the United States and its allies, or the extinction of the entire people.”