No New Visas for Foreign Students At Harvard University: Donald Trump Administration Draws Global Backlash

US President Donald Trump has imposed a visa ban on foreign students planning to enrol at Harvard University. This decision, announced on Wednesday, intensifies his administration's focus on higher education policies. "I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University," Trump was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.

In an executive order signed on Wednesday, Trump stated that allowing Harvard to host international students could threaten national security. "I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers," Trump wrote in the order, as per the Associated Press.

Legal Challenges and Government Demands

The White House's ongoing conflict with Harvard University has intensified with this order. A federal court in Boston had previously stopped the Department of Homeland Security from preventing international students at Harvard. However, Trump's new order uses a different legal basis. The tension arises from Harvard's refusal to meet several federal government demands.

The situation escalated after the Department of Homeland Security claimed that Harvard did not provide adequate records concerning misconduct by foreign students. Although Harvard stated it complied with these requests, the government found their response lacking.

Visa Vetting Intensified

Last month, an internal cable seen by Reuters revealed that the US State Department instructed all consular missions abroad to increase scrutiny of visa applicants intending to travel to Harvard for any reason. This directive adds another layer to the administration's stringent measures against foreign students at this prestigious institution.

The recent developments highlight a significant shift in US policy towards international students at elite universities like Harvard. The administration's actions reflect broader concerns about national security and institutional compliance with federal regulations.

This move marks a critical point in the relationship between US educational institutions and government policies regarding international student admissions. The implications for future academic exchanges and collaborations remain uncertain as both sides navigate these complex legal and diplomatic challenges.