The Trump administration has dealt a shocking blow to one of the United States’ most prestigious universities, Harvard University. The federal government has officially canceled the university’s “Student and Exchange Visitor Program” (SEVP), igniting a wave of controversy and concern across North American higher education circles.
According to a report, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision via social media, condemning Harvard’s actions. She stated, “Harvard’s move is unlawful, and they have failed to show respect for the law. This decision serves as a warning to all universities in the country.”
In response, Harvard’s administration called the move “illegal,” emphasizing that “more than 140 countries send students and researchers to our campus. Their presence enriches Harvard and the United States as a whole.”
The report further reveals that during the 2023-24 academic year, over 6,700 international students were enrolled at Harvard, making up approximately 27 percent of the total student body. The fallout from this decision leaves many of these students’ futures uncertain, putting their lives and careers at risk.
Australian student Sarah Davis expressed her alarm, saying, “This announcement came just five days before our graduation. We don’t know what will happen next whether we’ll be able to work here or not, and that’s incredibly distressing.”
Swedish student Leo Garden shared his dismay, stating, “This was the happiest day of my life when I received my acceptance letter from Harvard. Now I see that political turmoil is turning us into ‘pawns.’ It’s truly humiliating.”
Earlier this year, in April, Harvard announced it would sue the Trump administration. At that time, the government sent a lengthy list demanding changes to the university’s recruitment, admissions, and teaching practices to combat alleged “anti-Semitism.” The White House later claimed the letter was “sent in error.”
Additionally, the Trump administration threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and cut off federal research funding. They also demanded that within 72 hours, the university submit evidence of any “illegal” or “violent” activities involving foreign students, including recruitment and campus conduct.
These decisions have cast a dark shadow over the nation’s educational landscape, threatening to disrupt the normal flow of learning and putting the future of international students in jeopardy.
+ There are no comments
Add yours