Thousands of students, including Indians, are unsure about their future after the Trump administration decided to take away Harvard University’s ability to accept international students. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued the order, which prevents Harvard from accepting new international students and forces those who are already enrolled to transfer or risk losing their legal immigration status. The impacted pupils did, however, receive some break when a federal judge later issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the government’s action.
A large percentage of Harvard’s international student body consists of Indian students, who are caught in the crossfire between the university and the US government. Many people are outraged, confused, and in a panic, not knowing how to go. Stricken students are calling foreign education advisors, who advise them to stay in touch with the university and keep their options open. After receiving several acceptances, some students decide to transfer to another university and forfeit their Harvard deposit, while others consider other options, such as studying in Europe.
The Trump administration is being sued by Harvard University, which claims that the cancellation is “a blatant violation of the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.” According to the university, the action will have a “immediate and devastating effect” on Harvard and its international students, who play an important role in evolving the institution’s goals. Alan Garber, the president of Harvard, has promised that the university will make every effort to assist its professors and students.
International students continue to experience fear and uncertainty in spite of the temporary restraining order. While some students are anxious about possible consequences, others are worried that their visas might no longer be valid. There are speculations that students who recently graduated from Harvard and are enrolled in optional practical training (OPT) may have it cancelled, according to a former Harvard Business School alumnus.
The US’s appeal as a study abroad destination may be impacted by this development, experts caution. “Academic freedom is at the core of excellence and innovation,” stated Narayanan Ramaswamy, at KPMG‘s national head for education and skill development in India. “Such moves target the core aspect that led to the ascent of US higher education system and do not predict well for its future as a preferred destination for international students.” There will be long-term effects for the legitimacy and autonomy of US educational institutions even when the dust settles on this matter, according to a source.
Statistics
During the 2024–25 academic year, Harvard had 6,793 international students, a number that has steadily increased over the previous 20 years.
– Over 27% of Harvard’s student body is made up of international students. Under Trump’s administration, the university has already experienced federal funding freezes totaling more than $2.7 billion, and it is currently involved in a court dispute with the White House over alleged politically motivated meddling in its governance and admissions procedures.
