International education persists, as Harvard University contemplates persisting in enrolling foreign students amidst criticism levied at President Trump's graduation speech. - Foreign students can temporarily remain at Harvard amidst controversy: Trump's criticism echoes during graduation
Harvard Clinches Temporary Reprieve for International Students Amidst Funding Crisis
Harvard University has been granted a temporary stay from the Trump administration's ban on admitting international students, making up 27 percent of its student body. The decision comes after a hearing following the temporary block imposed by Federal Judge Allison Burroughs.
The judge, appointed by President Barack Obama, stated the move provides temporary protection for international students, primarily hailing from Asia but also including 549 students from Germany. A definitive ruling in the case is yet to be made.
In the midst of this ongoing dispute with President Trump, Harvard celebrated its graduates this year. Harvard President Alan Garber, during the commencement ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts, highlighted the significant number of international graduates. "This is how it should be," said Garber amidst cheers from hundreds of graduates adorned in red and black gowns and black hats.
Dr. Abraham Verghese, a Stanford University professor of medicine, was invited to deliver the commencement speech. Born in Ethiopia, Verghese praised the ability of immigrants like him to thrive in America. However, he also expressed concern about the potential for international students to face wrongful detention and deportation.
Verghese voiced his criticism, referring to the military coup in Ethiopia in 1974, which led to the closure of his university, stating that attacks on institutions where truth and reason prevail are almost a reflex among powerful figures.
The Trump administration has targeted Harvard for several weeks, labeling the prestigious university as an "antisemitic, left-wing institution." This condemnation stems from perceived anti-Israel protests on campus since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
As a result, the U.S. government has sought to revoke over $3 billion in federal funding for Harvard, with plans to eliminate all remaining federal funds. Harvard has refused to eliminate diversity programs and investigate its students as demanded by the government in mid-April. President Garber did concede to some reported instances of antisemitism.
The funding freeze, affecting not only Harvard but also at least two dozen other higher education institutions, began on April 15, 2025. This cut has effectively halted $11 billion in total federal research funding nationwide. Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the administration, alleging the funding freezes violate federal law and the university's First Amendment rights. The university also plans to allocate $250 million of its own funds to support research programs affected by the federal funding suspensions and cancellations.
- In light of the temporary reprieve granted by the Trump administration, Harvard University, an elite institution in Massachusetts, is now safe for incoming international students, with 549 of them coming from Germany alone.
- Amidst the ongoing politics surrounding the admission of international students, education-and-self-development took center stage as Harvard University celebrated its graduation, with a significant number of international graduates. This year's commencement ceremony was marked by cheers as Harvard President Alan Garber emphasized the importance of diversity.
