On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order. This order seeks to prevent foreign nationals who intend to attend Harvard University from entering the United States. This decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the White House and the prestigious institution, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In that National Security Strategy, Trump laid out the administration’s vision for national security. He cautioned against granting Harvard the latitude to bring in foreign students if it meant risk. A recent federal court ruling in Boston stopped the Department of Homeland Security from trying to limit international students at Harvard last week. In reaction, this executive order was signed. The court’s ruling highlighted the confusion and divisiveness of immigration policy on schools and educational institutions.
Trump’s executive order cuts straight to the core of his argument, declaring that Harvard has become a hostile environment for foreign students. The former president’s statement underscores his administration’s stance that certain foreign nationals may pose a threat to national interests.
“I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard’s conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers,” – Donald Trump
The oldest, richest university in the US Harvard. It has historically been an important landing point and crossroads for visiting and game-changing international students and scholars. The institution has deep and long ties that have helped it regularly draw global talent, adding to their academic burnish. As we pointed out last year, Trump’s administration has ramped up efforts against U.S. universities that enroll foreign students, trying to restrict immigration even further.
As this situation unfolds, it remains unclear how Harvard will respond to the executive order. The university has vigorously reiterated its students’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, among many other stated values. One major highlight is the importance of international perspectives in driving innovation and strengthening scholarship.