Harvard vs Trump: Foreign students prohibit sparks, legal struggle | Today news

Harvard University is locked up in a legal battle with the Trump administration after being banned from enrolling international students. Homeland Security cited national security risks, which Harvard asked to sue. A judge temporarily blocked the order, but the tension remains. The Department of Home Security has revoked Harvard’s ability to allow international students, citing national security. (Reuters/File Photo) Harvard University, a global symbol of academic excellence, is now the center of a high confrontation with the Trump administration. The collision follows a step by the US government to prevent the university from enrolling foreign students – a decision that caused a legal struggle, diplomatic fallout and concern about the future of US higher education. Prohibition on foreign entries on May 23, the Department of Home Security, mentioned under Secretary Kristi, recalled Harvard’s ability to allow foreign citizens. The agency cited national security risks, alleged failure to cooperate with investigations into visa offenses, and concerns about ideological extremism on campus. The order immediately endangered the futures contracts of almost 6,800 international students – about 25% of Harvard’s student body. The entire postgraduate programs, sports teams and research operations have dissolved. Harvard quickly filed a lawsuit and called the decision ‘arbitrary, fickle, illegal and unconstitutional’. The next day, a federal judge temporarily blocked and granted short -term relief as the case continued. Trump’s criticism of Harvard President Donald Trump escalated the confrontation by accusing Harvard of acknowledging too many foreign students whose homelands “contribute” nothing. In a truth social post, he questions: “Why are almost a third of Harvard students from foreign countries?” And added: ‘We want to know who the foreign students are’, citing the university’s federal financing as leverage. Funding of cuts and accusations of retaliation The Trump administration frozen $ 2.2 billion on federal research grants and $ 60 million to contracts. An additional $ 9 billion financing is being reviewed. Harvard claims to represent political retaliation for his perceived liberal tendencies and defense of academic freedoms. “These measures are not just punishment,” the university argued in its lawsuit, “they threaten the basis of US higher education.” International fallout and soft power related to the decision caused widespread condemnation abroad. China, who sends a significant part of Harvard international students, warned that the politicization of education would damage America’s global reputation. Belgium’s princess Elisabeth, a current Harvard student, is one of those who await the clarity on whether to continue their studies. Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned that the oppression was “enduring damage”, while former Harvard President Larry Summers called it “the most serious attack in the history of the University”. The controversy of campus activism is part of a broader push through the Trump administration to utilize elite universities. The White House has threatened to deport foreign students participating in pro-Palestine protests and is returning the initiatives for diversity, equity and inclusion (Dei). Critics believe Harvard is portrayed as a ‘breeding ground for leftist extremism’. Broader implications: A bladder on US education in international education says the issue goes beyond Harvard. “It’s about damage to America’s academic brand,” says Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services. The incident sent shockwaves through foreign ministries and educational institutions worldwide, which aroused the fear among students, even at state universities: “Are we next?”