There are currently 6,800 international students studying at America’s Harvard University, which includes approximately 788 Indian students. Their future now hangs in balance due to a single decision by the Trump administration. On Thursday, the administration decided to close the International Students Program at Harvard.
However, there are conditions laid out for Harvard University. If the university complies with these conditions within three days or 72 hours, foreign students studying there might find relief. So, what are these conditions from the Trump administration?
Trump administration sets conditions for the university
Actions have been initiated by the Trump administration regarding activities perceived as 'anti-Semitic' on the Harvard campus, giving the university a chance to re-enroll foreign students, provided they meet six specific conditions and submit certain records.
1.
All records available to Harvard University related to any illegal activities, conducted officially or unofficially by any foreign student on or off campus in the last five years, including electronic records and audio or video footage.
2.
All records available to Harvard University regarding dangerous or violent activities conducted by any foreign student on or off campus over the past five years, including electronic records, audio, or video footage.
3.
All records available to Harvard University concerning threats made by any non-immigrant student towards other students or university staff on or off campus within the past five years, potentially including electronic records and audio or video footage.
4.
All records held by Harvard University regarding any foreign student enrolled over the past five years related to violations of rights of peers or university employees within the campus or outside, which may include electronic records and audio or video footage.
5.
All disciplinary records of all foreign students admitted in the last five years.
6.
Audio or video footage related to any protests or movements involving foreign students at Harvard University campus over the past five years.
Campus Dominance by China
There are allegations of fostering anti-Semitic sentiments on campus. Citing recent reports and a new congressional investigation into Harvard’s alleged ties with Chinese military-related institutions, Kristi Noem points to the Trump administration holding Harvard responsible for promoting violence, anti-Semitic sentiments, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on campus.
University Funding Halted
The announcement on Thursday occurred at a time when the university was already grappling with severe cuts in research funding. The Trump administration accuses Harvard of failing to curb anti-Semitic sentiments and racial oppression on campus. Federal contracts and research grants worth nearly $3 billion have been halted or terminated in recent weeks.
Crisis for 6,800 Foreign Students
This scenario leaves the future of 6,800 international students at Harvard in uncertainty. Students from India account for 788, while there are 2,126 students from China among them.
Increasing Number of International Students
According to the Harvard University website, the number of international students is increasing annually. With 6,793 international students in 2024-25, they represent 27% of total admissions compared to 6,713 students making up 26.8% in 2023-24. In the academic year 2006-07, international students totaled 3,941, representing 19% of admissions, which has now risen to 27%.
