CAMBRIDGE, MA – President Donald Trump’s recent attempt to bar international students from studying at Harvard University—particularly those enrolled at the John F. Kennedy School of Government—has sparked legal, academic, and global concern.
The Kennedy School, renowned for its international student body and alumni who go on to become world leaders, may be the most affected by the policy, which critics say threatens the very heart of U.S. global influence through education.
DHS Order and Visa Revocations
The controversy began when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), acting under directives aligned with Trump’s renewed immigration stance, revoked Harvard University’s ability to host international students under its F-1 visa program. The State Department followed by suspending and threatening to cancel visas of several admitted international students, many of whom had not yet arrived in the U.S.
In a press release, DHS claimed the actions were in response to concerns about “campus antisemitism, political unrest, and potential links to hostile foreign governments.”
Federal Court Blocks Policy—Temporarily
In response to an emergency motion filed by Harvard University, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order blocking both the DHS and State Department from enforcing the ban, calling the policy “legally questionable and deeply disruptive.”
A final decision on the matter is expected by June 23, when the judge will decide whether to grant a preliminary injunction or allow the policy to proceed while legal challenges continue.
Kennedy School’s Unique Vulnerability
The Harvard Kennedy School—unlike most U.S. graduate institutions—hosts a majority international student population. According to the university, more than 52% of its students come from outside the U.S., representing over 100 countries.
“Our mission is to prepare leaders from around the world,” said former U.S. ambassador and Kennedy School professor Nicholas Burns. “If you cut off that access, you’re dismantling a global platform for diplomacy.”
Current students, like Oscar Escobar from Colombia, say they fear they may lose the opportunity to study due to what they describe as a politically motivated crackdown.
Critics Call It an Attack on U.S. Soft Power
Critics of the policy argue that barring international students undercuts decades of U.S. diplomatic and educational leadership.
“America’s soft power has always been linked to the talent and goodwill of those we educate,” said Mary Louise Kelly, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. “This threatens our strategic edge.”
Others point to the potential economic impact. International students contribute more than $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to NAFSA (Association of International Educators). A significant portion of this comes from top-tier institutions like Harvard.
Trump Campaign Defends Action
Spokespersons for Donald Trump’s campaign maintain that the action is necessary to “protect American values and ensure institutions are held accountable for political bias and misconduct.”
In a statement, the campaign alleged that elite schools like Harvard are “failing the American public by prioritizing foreign interests and political radicalism.”
Looking Ahead
With the court’s final ruling pending, uncertainty looms for hundreds of international students admitted for fall 2025. Many are in limbo, with revoked or delayed visa processing, housing arrangements stalled, and educational dreams paused.
Harvard has said it is committed to protecting its students and defending academic freedom. “We will not abandon the people who make our institution global and impactful,” a university spokesperson said.
Legal experts anticipate the case could reach higher courts, depending on Judge Burroughs’ decision next week.
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