In a surprising twist, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program on Thursday, effectively suspending new enrollments for international students 😲.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the move, stating, "Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country. Enrolling international students is a privilege – not a right – and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard's repeated failure to comply with federal law."
The Department of Homeland Security added that, in addition to barring future enrollments, existing international students must transfer or risk losing their legal status.
Harvard responded swiftly, calling the action unlawful and harmful. The university emphasized its commitment to hosting international students and scholars from more than 140 countries, who play a vital role in enriching its academic and research environment.
This decision follows an earlier action in April, when the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard after the institution resisted demands to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and reexamine the enrollment criteria for international students on ideological grounds.
As of the fall 2023 semester, international students made up over 27% of Harvard's student body, highlighting the significant impact of this policy. Campus communities and global education circles are now watching closely to see how this move will reshape academic opportunities and cross-border exchanges 🚀.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
