U.S. President Donald Trump ignited controversy on Wednesday by calling for Harvard University to limit its foreign student enrollment to about 15%. During a White House press briefing, he pointed out that roughly 31% of Harvard's students come from abroad and pressed the university to reveal their origins. He even questioned, "Are they troublemakers?" 🤔
Trump argued that reducing this percentage could create more opportunities for domestic applicants. His comments are part of a broader campaign targeting U.S. universities, with the administration warning that schools unwilling to adjust their policies may face funding cuts. Other demands include addressing antisemitism on campus and rethinking diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups.
Amid these developments, Harvard is facing an unprecedented crisis—with billions in funding frozen, its tax-exempt status in jeopardy, and multiple investigations underway. The Department of Homeland Security has even revoked Harvard's eligibility for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the federal government, and a federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily blocked the ban, with a hearing scheduled for May 29.
The debate is particularly significant considering that international students make up over 27% of Harvard's community, with nearly 6,800 students from more than 140 countries and regions. This clash over enrollment policies and funding sparks a wider conversation on how to balance global influence with domestic priorities in higher education—a topic that continues to resonate with campuses and online communities alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
