The US government's decision to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students for the 2025-2026 academic year has left many students uncertain about their academic futures.
Riya Shah, a 24-year-old commerce graduate from Mumbai, had long aspired to pursue a Master바카라s at Harvard University. After years of preparation, she received her acceptance letter for Fall 2025, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. However, her dream now faces uncertainty due to escalating tensions between Harvard University and the Trump administration.
바카라I was looking up airline tickets to the US, having already received confirmation of my admission from the university,바카라 says an emotional Riya. 바카라But now everything has changed 바카라 I바카라m completely uncertain about what to do next.바카라
The controversy began when the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard바카라s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the university from enrolling international students. The DHS's decision was based on allegations that Harvard had failed to address issues such as antisemitism on campus and had not cooperated with federal demands for detailed records on international students.
In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit, asserting that the revocation violated its constitutional rights and academic autonomy. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, allowing Harvard to continue admitting international students while the legal proceedings unfold.
For students like Riya, this development has created an atmosphere of uncertainty. Many international applicants are now reconsidering their plans, with some seeking alternative institutions or deferring their admissions. Riya, who had declined other offers to attend Harvard, now finds herself in a precarious position, unsure of her academic future.
Similarly, another graduate from Jaipur was shocked to see updates on the current situation for international students in Harvard. Heartbroken, he had no idea what to do. 바카라I had always dreamt of going to Harvard and my family was very happy when I got the final approval from them. Now we are clueless,바카라 he said.
The controversy stems from a DHS directive demanding that Harvard provide detailed records on international students' participation in protests and any disciplinary actions taken against them. Secretary Kristi Noem's letter accused Harvard of fostering a "hostile learning environment" and threatened to revoke its SEVP certification if the university did not comply by April 30, 2025. Harvard resisted these demands, citing concerns over academic freedom and constitutional rights. In response, the administration froze over $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university and canceled two grants totaling $2.7 million.
The immediate impact on students has been profound. International students at Harvard, who constitute approximately 27% of the student body, are now facing uncertainty regarding their academic futures. Some students have reported receiving notifications from U.S. embassies that their visa applications have been denied. Others are considering transferring to institutions outside the United States.
Harvard has initiated legal action to contest the DHS's decision, asserting that the revocation was politically motivated and infringes upon the university's autonomy. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications not only for Harvard but also for the broader landscape of international higher education in the United States.
India바카라s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the US to ensure timely issuance of student visas based on merit, as reports emerged of a pause on scheduling new visa interviews for international students. The appeal comes amid concerns that the US government is weighing enhanced social media vetting for student and exchange visa applicants.
바카라We are looking at the situation. A visa is a sovereign right of a country. We would like to urge the US to give visas in time for students on merit,바카라 MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing on May 29.
In response to the controversial decision, Harvard President Alan Garber issued a statement condemning the US administration바카라s actions, affirming that international students rightfully belong at the university.
바카라We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action. It imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams. We have just filed a complaint, and a motion for a temporary restraining order will follow. As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars. The Harvard International Office will provide periodic updates as new information becomes available,바카라 Garber바카라s statement read.
바카라The government has claimed that its destructive action is based on Harvard바카라s failure to comply with requests for information from the US Department of Homeland Security. In fact, Harvard did respond to the Department바카라s requests as required by law.
For those international students and scholars affected by yesterday바카라s action, know that you are vital members of our community. You are our classmates and friends, our colleagues and mentors, our partners in the work of this great institution. Thanks to you, we know more and understand more, and our country and our world are more enlightened and more resilient. We will support you as we do our utmost to ensure that Harvard remains open to the world,바카라 the statement said.
Additionally, during his commencement address to the graduating Class of 2025, Garber offered a pointed but indirect critique of former President Donald Trump바카라s past efforts to restrict international student enrollment at US universities.
바카라Members of the Class of 2025 바카라 from just down the street, across the country, and around the world 바카라 exactly as it should be,바카라 Garber declared, affirming the university's commitment to global diversity and inclusion.
Urging students to remain open-minded and intellectually curious, Garber continued, 바카라Graduation is not the end of learning 바카라 it바카라s an invitation to expand our thinking and change our minds in the process. My hope for you is that you stay comfortable being uncomfortable.바카라