After Halting Federal Funding, Now Banning International Student Enrollment
The Donald Trump administration has abruptly notified Harvard University, the top elite institution in the United States, that it is banning the enrollment of international students. The Trump administration, which has been in conflict with Harvard since the beginning of its second term, has intensified its pressure on the university by not only halting billions of dollars in federal funding but also now prohibiting the registration of foreign students.
On the 22nd (local time), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement explaining the background of this action, saying, "The Harvard leadership has created a dangerous campus environment by allowing anti-American and terror-supporting agitators to harass and physically assault individuals, especially many Jewish students," and added, "Harvard has also undermined what was once an excellent learning environment."
With the Trump administration revoking approval for Harvard's international student and exchange visitor programs, the university can no longer accept foreign students. Previously, the Department of Homeland Security had warned Harvard that it would cancel its foreign student visa program unless the university submitted records of violent or illegal acts committed by international students by April.
As a result of this measure, current international students enrolled at Harvard will have to transfer to other schools. Otherwise, they will lose their legal status to stay in the United States. Consequently, nearly 7,000 Harvard international students now face the risk of being expelled from the U.S. According to Harvard, there are 6,800 international students, accounting for 27% of the total student body.
There is growing criticism that the Trump administration's 'crackdown on universities' has gone too far. President Trump has repeatedly suspended federal funding for major U.S. private universities, citing their inadequate response to antisemitism and the adoption of progressive policies such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Previously, when Harvard refused to comply with government demands, the Trump administration froze government subsidies and contracts, and even hinted at revoking the university's tax-exempt status.
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