The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students (image-video grab)
The Trump administration has escalated its clash with Harvard University, revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. This decision bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students, leaving 788 Indian scholars and thousands of others in legal uncertainty.
The move comes amid political tensions, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) citing Harvard’s refusal to comply with federal oversight. The university has denounced the decision as unlawful, sparking global outrage.
Table of Contents
Why Did Trump Block Harvard’s Foreign Student Enrollment?
The DHS revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, citing concerns over:
- Campus protests and alleged anti-Semitic activities.
- Harvard’s refusal to submit student records for federal review.
- Claims of pro-Hamas sympathies and diversity policies deemed “racist.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Harvard had “lost the privilege” to enroll foreign students due to its failure to comply with federal regulations.
Impact on 788 Indian Students & Other Foreign Scholars
Harvard hosts over 6,800 international students, including 788 from India. With the SEVP certification revoked, these students face:
- Legal uncertainty – they must transfer or risk deportation.
- Visa complications – Harvard can no longer verify their student status.
- Academic disruptions – students must find alternative institutions.
Indian students, many of whom are pursuing graduate-level programs, now face urgent decisions about their future in the U.S..
Harvard’s Response & Legal Battle
Harvard has condemned the move, calling it “politically motivated” and “unlawful”. The university has vowed to:
- Challenge the decision in court.
- Provide legal assistance to affected students.
- Seek emergency relief to restore its SEVP certification.
Legal experts argue that the revocation violates First Amendment protections, as it targets Harvard for its political stance.
What’s Next for Indian Students?
Indian scholars at Harvard have limited options:
- Transfer to another SEVP-certified institution to maintain legal status.
- Leave the U.S. before their visa expires.
- Await Harvard’s legal challenge, hoping for a reversal.
Indian-American leaders have urged the Biden administration to intervene, warning that the move damages U.S.-India relations.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s crackdown on Harvard has left 788 Indian students and thousands of others in legal limbo. As Harvard fights back, students must navigate uncertain futures, balancing academic goals and immigration challenges.
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