Trump's Educational Crackdown: A Ban on Foreign Students at Harvard
- ~2 mins
Foreign Students Denied Entry to Harvard University by Trump Administration - Harvard University Warned: Trump Imposes Entry Ban on International Students for Studies
In a shocking turn of events, US President Donald Trump is planning to impose a six-month ban on foreign nationals entering the country if they seek to study at Harvard University. This ban is aimed at students intending to enroll in the university or participate in its exchange programs [1].
Under this policy, the US Department of State will also review the visas of foreign nationals already studying at Harvard, potentially affecting thousands of international students [2]. However, exceptions will be made for individuals whose entry is deemed as being in the national interest, as determined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio [1].
A Thorn in Trump's Side?
Trump justifies this move by attacking Harvard for its actions, claiming that it has become an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers. According to Trump, this measure is essential to protect the national security of the US. He argues that guest institutions must comply with government requests for information to identify and combat foreign students' misconduct [1].
The US government's intention to prevent Harvard from accepting international students is not a new development. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had announced similar steps over two weeks ago [1]. The university might soon lose the ability to accept new foreign students under a federal program [2].
The Legal Battle Ahead
A US federal judge's injunction currently halts the US government from prohibiting Harvard from accepting foreign students [1]. This ruling is not yet final, and a hearing to determine the extension of the restraining order has been scheduled.
The US government alleges that universities like Harvard have a left-leaning bias and are negligent in addressing antisemitism. Unlike other universities, Harvard resists political directives from Washington and challenges them in court [3].
[1] The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/11/13/harvard-sued-ban-foreign-students/
[2] CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/12/politics/harvard-lawsuit-immigration/index.html
[3] The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/17/metro/ivy-league-amicus-brief-supports-harvard-suit-revival-student-visa-program/
- The European Parliament, in a show of solidarity, has announced plans to issue a resolution condemning the US government's decision to ban foreign students at Harvard University, voicing concerns over the potential impact on education-and-self-development and the broader implications it holds for politics and general news.
- Amidst this political storm, academia voices, including those from the European Parliament, have raised questions about the freedom of education and the potential silencing of diverse perspectives, as universities like Harvard are known for their commitment to politics, general news, and education-and-self-development.
