WASHINGTON DC: The Trump administration has blocked Harvard University from admitting foreign students under its student exchange and visitor program.
The restriction was outlined in a letter sent to the university, stating that the program, which is overseen by Homeland Security Investigations, would be suspended.
According to the letter, not only is Harvard barred from enrolling new international students, but any student transfers between universities must now also prove they are not immigrants. The move adds further complications for international education and student mobility in the U.S.
Harvard University responded with a public statement condemning the decision as unjust and retaliatory. The university expressed concern over what it views as a politically motivated attack on its operations and global academic engagement.
This decision follows previous actions by the federal government to cut off funding to Harvard in three separate phases. Earlier this week, Harvard Provost Alan Garber acknowledged the university’s growing financial pressures and appealed to alumni for support.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to social media to express doubts about Harvard’s transparency, further escalating tensions between the university and the federal government.
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