Harvard Under Fire: Trump Administration's Actions Spark Student Protests

Harvard Faces Trump Administration Crackdown: Student Visas Paused, Federal Contracts Threatened Harvard University is at the center of a major conflict with the Trump administration, impacting international students and raising concerns about academic freedom. The White House recently announced a pause on all overseas interviews for potential student visa holders, a move that Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified as necessary to allow officials more time to vet applicants' social media accounts. This decision affects an estimated 1.3 million foreign students pursuing degrees in the US in 2023, many of whom pay full tuition. The Trump administration's actions extend beyond visa interviews. They are also moving to cancel all federal contracts with Harvard, a move that could cost the university $3.2 billion in federal research grants and contracts. Further, the administration is taking steps that could force Harvard's international students to leave the country. These actions have prompted significant protests from students and faculty. "This country is on a very, very dangerous track," stated Leo Gerden, a senior from Sweden, expressing the anxieties felt by many international students. The uncertainty surrounding their future has left many feeling "incredibly dehumanized and demeaned." A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security from revoking Harvard's foreign student enrollment. However, the future remains uncertain as the judge will decide whether to extend that order. The Trump administration's actions against Harvard raise serious questions about academic freedom and the treatment of international students in the US. The situation continues to evolve and will likely be closely watched by universities and students worldwide.