The Trump administration has made numerous attempts to hinder Harvard University’s enrollment of international students in their push for policy changes at the prestigious Ivy League institution. The administration’s primary focus has been on targeting foreign students as a key tactic in their efforts to tighten regulations on the renowned college. This approach directly impacts Harvard’s identity, as a significant portion of its student body and global reputation is built on international enrollment.
While some of the government’s actions have been halted by the courts temporarily, others have moved forward. In the latest development, a federal judge has put one of the administration’s efforts on hold pending resolution of a lawsuit. The fate of Harvard’s international students and its broader conflict with the Trump administration remains uncertain.
Here is a breakdown of the various ways the Trump administration has tried to impede Harvard’s foreign enrollment, along with the current status of each effort:
1. Attempt to revoke Harvard’s certification for hosting foreign students:
In May, the administration sought to ban foreign students from Harvard by claiming authority under the Department of Homeland Security’s oversight of the Student Exchange and Visitor Program. Harvard challenged this action in court, arguing that the government violated its own regulations for withdrawing a school’s certification. A judge temporarily halted the ban, and a preliminary injunction has now been issued to block Homeland Security’s move until the case is resolved.
2. Ban on U.S. entry for incoming Harvard students:
Recently, President Trump issued a proclamation to prevent incoming Harvard students from entering the United States, citing a different legal authority. Harvard contested this action, arguing that targeting students coming specifically to study at Harvard does not meet the criteria for blocking a “class of aliens” under the law. The legal battle over this proclamation is ongoing.
Harvard remains committed to complying with student visa regulations and opposes any efforts to revoke its certification for hosting international students. The university is actively defending its international community and their access to education at Harvard.
Lawyers requested the court to halt the action, and Burroughs agreed to temporarily suspend the entry ban with no specified end date. The judge has not yet made a decision on Harvard’s plea for a preliminary injunction to pause the ban until the court case is resolved. Harvard informed international students on Friday that they anticipate a more final ruling soon.
President Trump has been pressuring Harvard, claiming the school has allowed anti-Jewish harassment, especially during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. He argues that Harvard is not a suitable place for students. However, Harvard’s President Alan Garber has stated that the university has taken steps to combat antisemitism and will not comply with the administration’s requests for further changes.
The administration has increased scrutiny on Harvard scholars’ and students’ visas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed U.S. embassies to review social media accounts of visa applicants for signs of antisemitism if they plan to attend, work, or visit Harvard. The State Department announced new vetting measures for social media accounts of foreigners applying for student visas, not just those applying to Harvard.
In the visa reopening process, consulates were instructed to prioritize students looking to enroll at colleges where international students make up less than 15% of the student body. Foreign students constitute more than 15% of the student population at nearly 200 U.S. universities, including Harvard and the Ivy League schools.
Some Harvard students are impacted by the recent travel ban against citizens of 12 nations, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. The administration has urged 36 additional countries to enhance traveler vetting protocols or face a ban on their citizens visiting the U.S.
International students make up half the students in certain Harvard programs. The university sponsors over 7,000 individuals on F-1 and J-1 visas for students and exchange programs. While about 26% of the university’s overall student body is international, some schools have a higher concentration of international students due to their subject matter.
The administration has imposed various sanctions on Harvard after the university rebuffed demands for policy changes related to campus protests.
Conservatives argue that Harvard’s practices in admissions, hiring, and more are justified, criticizing the university as a center of liberal ideology and anti-Semitism. Harvard claims that the administration is unlawfully retaliating against the institution.____Financial backing for The Associated Press’ education reporting comes from various private foundations. The AP retains full responsibility for all content. For information on the AP’s guidelines for collaborating with philanthropic organizations, a roster of supporters, and the coverage areas funded by them, visit AP.org.
