Foreign students at Harvard University are in a state of confusion and fear after the Trump administration announced that the prestigious school could no longer enroll international students. The sudden move left many scrambling for answers, unsure of their futures in the United States, reported by APP.
Harvard President Alan Garber strongly criticized the decision, calling it “unlawful and unwarranted.” He described the government’s action as an attack on academic freedom and an attempt to control the university’s independence. Harvard has now filed a lawsuit, claiming the order is not only illegal but also violates the First Amendment rights of its students and staff.
Tensions between the White House and Harvard have been rising for months, especially after several campus protests. The administration accused Harvard of failing to address antisemitism and of needing to reform its hiring and admissions practices—charges the university firmly denies.
On Friday, a U.S. District Judge, Allison Burroughs, stepped in with a temporary restraining order to block the administration’s plan, at least for now. The ruling paused the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP), which manages visas for foreign students.
Harvard argued in court that removing international students—who make up about a quarter of its student body—would be a serious blow not only to the university but also to the country’s global reputation for higher education.
Cornell William Brooks, a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, called the situation “extraordinary,” adding that it creates chaos in the lives of real people. He described the action as politically driven and fueled by xenophobia.
Massachusetts Congressman Tram Nguyen, a Harvard graduate, said the move goes against American values. “It sends a message that talent is not welcome if it comes from abroad,” he warned.
As the legal battle continues, another hearing is scheduled for May 29 in Boston. For now, many students remain in uncertainty, unsure whether they will be forced to leave the country they hoped to call home.
