Tensions Escalate as Trump Targets International Students
In a move that’s being seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the US court system, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending the approval of visas for international students looking to study at Harvard University. The decision, which is set to last for at least six months, cites national security concerns as the primary reason.
The situation began to unfold when Harvard refused to comply with several demands made by the White House back in April. The university’s stance has been met with retaliation from the Trump administration, which has now frozen millions of dollars in federal funding. Harvard has also been accused of failing to address alleged anti-Semitism on campus.
A New Low in the Dispute
Just last week, a federal judge blocked an attempt by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ban international students from attending Harvard. However, Trump’s latest executive order has effectively overridden that decision. The order claims that Harvard has deep ties to foreign governments and has disregarded the rights and freedoms of its students and faculty.
As a result, not only will new visa applications be put on hold, but existing visas for international students currently enrolled at Harvard may also be revoked. The order gives the Secretary of State the power to review and cancel these visas, which could affect over 7,000 students – 27% of the university’s total student body.
The move has been met with swift condemnation from Harvard, which sees the decision as a politically motivated attack. The university has vowed to continue protecting its international students and has promised to fight the order in court.
In a related development, the White House has also threatened to strip Columbia University of its accreditation, citing similar allegations of anti-Semitism. The situation is set to have far-reaching consequences for international students and academic institutions across the US.
Sources: BBC