Key Points
- Harvard University condemns Trump administration’s ban on enrolling foreign students, calling it “unlawful.”
- Ban follows Harvard’s refusal to accept federal oversight of admissions, hiring, and political policies.
- University leaders and professors warn the move will harm innovation, campus diversity, and America’s global standing.
- International students express fear and uncertainty; some are considering studying in other countries.
- Trump administration has already frozen $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard, with further $450 million in cuts.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University has fiercely denounced the Trump administration’s latest move to block the prestigious institution from enrolling new foreign students, calling the action “unlawful” and a direct threat to both the university and the nation’s academic excellence.
Escalating Tensions Over Oversight and Academic Freedom
The dramatic escalation comes after Harvard refused to comply with demands from President Trump’s administration for federal oversight of its admissions, hiring practices, and political activities. The administration’s response was swift and severe: a ban on enrolling new international students and a freeze on billions in federal funding.
In a strongly worded statement, Harvard declared, “We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Professors and Students Voice Alarm
The Harvard chapter of the American Association of University Professors condemned the move as “the latest in a string of nakedly authoritarian and retaliatory moves against America’s oldest institution of higher education.” They warned that the administration’s actions could “destroy higher education in the United States” and urged universities not to give in to what they called “extortion.”
Economics professor and former Obama administration official Jason Furman emphasized the crucial role of international students: “It is impossible to imagine Harvard without our amazing international students. They are a huge benefit to everyone here, to innovation and the United States more broadly. I hope this is stopped quickly before the damage gets any worse.”
International Students Fear for the Future
The ban has created widespread uncertainty and anxiety among Harvard’s international student community. Karl Molden, an Austrian student, revealed he is now considering studying in the UK instead: “It’s definitely going to change the perception of… students who might consider studying there the US is getting less of an attractive spot for higher education.”
Fourth-year student Alice Goyer described the campus mood as panicked and confused: “No one knows what this means for international students already enrolled. I’ve been getting texts from a lot of international friends, and everyone’s just — no one knows. Everyone’s panicking a bit.”
Financial Pressure Mounts on Harvard
Harvard, which boasts the largest university endowment in the US at $53.2 billion, has become a prime target for the Trump administration. Last month, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university, with an additional $450 million in cuts announced on Tuesday.
As Harvard vows to fight the ban and support its international students, the standoff highlights deep divisions over academic freedom, immigration, and the global reputation of US higher education. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for universities and students nationwide.
