Harvard sues Trump over ban on foreign students

Chinese students at Harvard University scrambled to make alternate plans on Friday following a United States government order blocking the enrollment of international students at the university, USA Today news medium reported.

The move, issued by the Trump administration, accuses Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party and could force foreign students to transfer or risk losing their legal status.

In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit challenging the action, calling it “unlawful” and affirming its commitment to international education. Chinese nationals currently make up the largest group of foreign students at the Ivy League school.

The decision has thrown the lives of many students into disarray.

According to the report, Zhang, a 24-year-old PhD candidate in physics, voiced concerns about safety and immigration enforcement, saying some peers were even considering leaving their apartments out of fear.

“I think the Chinese community definitely feels like a more targeted entity compared to other groups.

“Some friends gave me advice that I should try not to stay in my current accommodation if things escalate, because they think it’s possible that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent can take you from your apartment,” said Zhang, who did not give his first name for security reasons

Others, like Zhang Kaiqi, a public health student, canceled flights back to China at the last minute, incurring financial and professional setbacks.

“I was sad and irritated. For a moment, I thought it was fake news,” the 21-year-old said.

The order came amid broader tensions between the United States and China and increased the scrutiny of Chinese students.

The number of Chinese nationals studying in the US has declined from a peak of 370,000 in 2019 to around 277,000 in 2024.

Harvard has told students it is working on a legal and diplomatic response within 72 hours.

Some students, like Teresa at the Harvard Kennedy School, turned to social media to share updates and concerns, with one post titled “Harvard refugee” gaining attention on Chinese platforms.

“Our teachers have sent us an email saying the school is actively working hard on a response within the next 72 hours and aims to negotiate with the government,” said Teresa.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US decision, stating it “will only damage the image and international credibility of the United States” and pledging to “firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests” of its students overseas.

Meanwhile, other universities, such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, have offered support to affected students, including expedited admissions and academic assistance.

With legal and academic futures in limbo, some students are considering deferring enrollment or transferring to institutions in other countries like Australia or Singapore.

One incoming student, Zhao, said the situation had severely disrupted her life plans and left her uncertain about how to proceed with her visa application.

The Trump administration suggested the decision could be reversed if Harvard complies with demands for information about foreign student visa holders.