The Trump administration's threat to end the enrollment of international students at Harvard University concerns the international student community. At Harvard, 6,800 students, representing 27% of the total, are from other countries, a significant increase since 2006. Elite schools consider attracting the most outstanding students from around the world to be essential, and the current fear may lead international families to seek safer options in other countries instead of the United States.
Annalee Nissenholtz from Education Advisory Group mentioned that the current uncertainty is causing international students to reconsider their educational options, such as a Chinese student who was advised to accept an offer at the University of Oxford instead of Georgia Institute of Technology. Admitted students must inform universities of their decision to attend for the upcoming school year by May 1.
In the United States, international students represent 5.9% of the total higher education population. India now leads with 332,000 students, while China has experienced a 4.2% decrease with over 277,000 students. At Harvard, the incoming freshman class has 18% of international students. Harvard College offers financial aid to both international and local students, waiving tuition and fees for families with incomes of $200,000 or less.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a warning to Harvard regarding "anti-American and pro-Hamas ideology" at the university, demanding records of violent or illegal activities by international students by April 30. Harvard challenges these requests, stating it will adhere to the law and hopes the administration will do the same. Despite threats and conflicts, Harvard refuses to comply with demands it considers violations of academic freedom.
The Trump administration seeks to combat antisemitism on campuses, which triggered this situation with Harvard. Officials have also initiated deportation processes against foreign students who support Palestinians. In response to these actions, Harvard does not yield and maintains its stance of respecting constitutional rights and the academic integrity of its students. The situation remains tense as potential civil rights violations at the university are investigated. The prohibition of enrollment of international students could have negative consequences both for Harvard and for the U.S. educational system.