POLITICS
Harvard's International Students Under Fire: A Clash of Powers
Cambridge, USAFri Apr 18 2025
The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against Harvard University, targeting its international students and tax-exempt status.
This move is part of a bigger conflict between the government and one of the most famous universities in the world. The Department of Homeland Security has demanded detailed records of foreign students at Harvard, claiming to investigate illegal activities.
Harvard is known for its diverse student body, with a significant number of international students. These students make up a large portion of the graduate school, which is famous for its research. The university's ability to attract top talent from around the world has been a key factor in its success.
The administration has also threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. This status allows the university to receive large donations, which has helped it build the largest university endowment in the country.
The government has frozen over $2 billion in grants and contracts to Harvard, marking the seventh time such action has been taken against an elite college. This is part of a broader effort to push universities to comply with the administration's political agenda.
International students at Harvard are feeling the pressure. Many are scared of speaking up, fearing that their student visas could be at risk. The administration has been quietly ending the legal status of international students at schools across the country, leaving them with no clear path to regain their status.
Harvard has refused to back down. The university's president has stated that they will not surrender their independence or constitutional rights. This defiance has sparked a debate about the role of universities in society and the limits of government power.
The conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard is far from over. Both sides are digging in their heels, and the outcome could have significant implications for higher education in the United States.
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questions
What legal grounds does the Trump administration have to threaten Harvard's tax-exempt status?
How does the revocation of international student visas at Harvard align with the U.S. policy on attracting global talent?
How might the defunding of research at Harvard impact scientific advancements and innovation?