Washington, D.C. – In a controversial move, the Trump Administration announced today a sweeping ban prohibiting Harvard University from enrolling any new foreign students. Additionally, the administration has ordered all current foreign students on Harvard’s campus to transfer to other institutions, effective immediately. The decision, outlined in an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, cites national security concerns and aims to prioritize American students in elite institutions.
The executive order claims that foreign students, particularly those from countries deemed “high-risk,” pose potential threats to intellectual property and national interests. It mandates that Harvard, a leading Ivy League institution, halt all new enrollments of international students and facilitate the transfer of approximately 5,000 current foreign students to other U.S. universities or abroad. The Department of Education and Department of Homeland Security will oversee compliance, with a 60-day deadline for transfers.
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Harvard University issued a statement condemning the policy, calling it “discriminatory and detrimental to academic excellence.” The university highlighted that international students contribute significantly to research, diversity, and campus life, making up roughly 24% of its student body. Harvard vowed to challenge the order legally, citing violations of academic freedom and equal protection.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and higher education advocates, slammed the decision as xenophobic and economically damaging. “This policy undermines America’s position as a global leader in education,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Meanwhile, supporters argue it protects national interests and opens opportunities for American students.
The ban has sparked chaos on Harvard’s campus, with students and faculty organizing protests. Affected students face uncertainty about their academic futures, with limited time to secure new institutions. The policy’s ripple effects may impact other universities as they absorb transferring students.
The administration has not indicated whether similar bans will extend to other institutions. Legal battles are expected to unfold rapidly as Harvard and advocacy groups prepare to fight the order in court.
Trump Administration Bans Harvard from Enrolling Foreign Students, Orders Current Foreign Students to Transfer
Washington, D.C. – The Trump Administration issued an executive order today banning Harvard University from enrolling new foreign students and mandating that all current foreign students on its campus transfer to other institutions within 60 days. The policy, citing national security concerns, aims to prioritize American students at elite universities.
The order claims foreign students, especially from “high-risk” countries, pose threats to intellectual property and national interests. Harvard, with approximately 5,000 international students (24% of its student body), must halt new enrollments and facilitate transfers, overseen by the Departments of Education and Homeland Security.
Harvard condemned the ban as “discriminatory” and vowed to challenge it legally, emphasizing the contributions of international students to research and diversity. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, called the move xenophobic and harmful to U.S. higher education’s global standing. Supporters argue it protects national interests.
The decision has sparked protests at Harvard, with students facing uncertainty about their academic futures. Legal battles are expected as advocacy groups join Harvard in opposing the order. The administration has not signaled whether other universities will face similar bans.