Harvard’s Legal Battle Over International Student Enrollment Continues
As the legal tussle between Harvard University and the Trump administration unfolds, the focus is on the university’s ability to maintain its international student body amidst national security concerns raised by the administration.
On June 4, a presidential proclamation was issued by President Trump, restricting Harvard’s international students from entering the United States. This action, justified by claims of national security risks, marked a direct intervention by the president in the university’s affairs. The executive order accuses Harvard of not addressing “known illegal activity” among its students.
The proclamation emphasizes, “Admission into the United States to attend, conduct research, or teach at our Nation’s institutions of higher education is a privilege granted by our Government, not a guarantee.”
The Trump administration further argues that Harvard has infringed upon students’ civil rights, including failing to ensure the safety of Jewish students, thus justifying the exclusion of international students from its enrollment.
In response, Harvard has amended its ongoing lawsuit against the administration, seeking judicial intervention to block the order. The university describes the executive action as “another illegal retaliatory step,” accusing the government of breaching its First Amendment rights.
U.S. District Judge Alison D. Burroughs, appointed by former President Obama, has already temporarily halted the enforcement of the order. She is set to rule on whether this block will remain in place until Harvard’s lawsuit proceeds to trial.
Harvard, home to approximately 7,000 international students, constituting over 25% of its student population, has affirmed its commitment to enrolling international students based on the current temporary court order.
Alfred Williamson, a Harvard student from Wales, articulates the anxiety faced by international students: “The court hearing is a very big deal for international students. The part that is most frustrating and scary is that there’s nothing we can do to influence the outcome. We just have to sit here and wait and cross our fingers.”
This legal confrontation is one facet of a broader campaign by the administration, which has also threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status and canceled grants.
“The fight seems far from over,” adds Williamson, reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding his sophomore year. “As international students we can’t really see the end of it.”
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