Trump wants to send all internationals away from Harvard

The Trump administration is no longer granting visas to foreigners wishing to study at Harvard University. Current international students must also find another university, or they will lose their residency permits.

After initially cutting billions of dollars from Harvard’s budget, Trump is now attempting to force Harvard University to its knees by halting the flow of international students.

This could have significant consequences for the university: over a quarter of the 25,000 students come from outside the US. They pay over 80,000 dollars per year for their studies, including accommodation and meals.

116 Dutch students

The impact on the students themselves is also substantial. According to Kristi Noem, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, those currently studying at Harvard must seek another university. Otherwise, they risk losing their residency permits.

According to the international office of Harvard, there are currently 116 Dutch students enrolled at the university. It is unclear how long they will have to find another institution.

A month ago, the administration demanded all ‘relevant information’ from Harvard regarding ‘illegal’ or ‘dangerous’ activities of foreign students. Harvard refused to provide this information, claiming there was no legal basis for such a request.

Judge

The university is already embroiled in a legal battle with the administration over the billion-dollar cuts. The New York Times reports that the university plans to challenge this student ban as well.

Such a lawsuit appears promising. Last Thursday, a judge ruled in a different case that Trump cannot simply revoke the residency status of international students.

According to a spokesperson of Erasmus University, there are currently no EUR students on exchange at Harvard. Such exchanges are also not scheduled for after the summer.