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In a significant turn of events, the Trump administration has announced its decision to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, revoking the university’s certificate that permits the intake of students from abroad. This change mandates that all current international students must transfer from Harvard to maintain their non-immigrant status.
NBC News correspondent Antonia Hylton, covering this rapidly developing situation, highlights that this move is part of a larger ongoing dispute between Harvard and the administration. The university is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the government concerning demands for data and control over hiring and programming decisions. Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, has resisted these requests, resulting in the university losing $2.2 billion in crucial research and medical funding.
This latest escalation means that, for the upcoming school year, Harvard will not welcome new international students, which comprises about 27% of its undergraduate population. These students typically pay full tuition, and their absence could financially strain the university, ultimately impacting marginalized and underprivileged American students who benefit from financial aid. Hylton notes that roughly 60% of Harvard undergraduates relied on financial aid about a decade ago, illustrating the potential repercussions of the lost funding.
In response to the revoked certification, Harvard has issued a statement condemning the government’s actions as unlawful. The university emphasizes its commitment to supporting its students and scholars, arguing that such retaliatory measures pose a serious threat to the Harvard community and, by extension, higher education in America. This situation could have broader implications for other universities across the nation.
Current international students at Harvard, many of whom are just days away from graduation, are particularly anxious. They fear that with the government’s new position, agents from the Department of Homeland Security or ICE could scrutinize their status. The possibility of being forced to leave if they do not comply with new regulations adds to their uncertainty during a pivotal moment in their academic lives.
