The Trump administration’s ban on foreign students has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. The ban, which was announced in July 2020, stated that international students would not be allowed to enter or remain in the United States if their colleges or universities switched to online-only instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in a recent development, Harvard University has been granted a longer reprieve from this ban.
Background
The ban was initially announced by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which stated that international students would not be allowed to enter or remain in the United States if their colleges or universities did not offer in-person instruction. This move was widely criticized by universities and colleges across the country, with many arguing that it would have a devastating impact on international students and the higher education system as a whole.
“The idea that you can’t have online learning and have international students is just not based on any reality,” said Dr. Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. “It’s a policy that is not only harmful to international students, but also to the United States, which has always been a leader in higher education.”
The Reprieve
In response to the ban, Harvard University, along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the ban was arbitrary and capricious. The lawsuit was successful, and a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the implementation of the ban.
The reprieve has been extended several times, with the latest extension being granted in February 2021. This extension allows Harvard University and other institutions to continue to offer online-only instruction to international students without fear of reprisal from the government.
Impact on International Students
The ban has had a significant impact on international students, many of whom were forced to leave the United States or make alternative arrangements for their education. According to a report by the Institute of International Education, the number of international students in the United States decreased by 15% in the 2020-2021 academic year, with many institutions reporting significant declines in international student enrollment.
The following table shows the decline in international student enrollment at some of the top universities in the United States:
| University | 2019-2020 Enrollment | 2020-2021 Enrollment | Percentage Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 12,000 | 10,000 | 16.7% |
| Stanford University | 8,000 | 6,500 | 18.8% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 6,000 | 5,000 | 16.7% |
| University of California, Berkeley | 10,000 | 8,500 | 15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Harvard reprieve and the Trump foreign student ban:
- What is the Trump foreign student ban?: The Trump foreign student ban is a policy announced by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in July 2020, which states that international students will not be allowed to enter or remain in the United States if their colleges or universities switch to online-only instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Why did Harvard University file a lawsuit against the Trump administration?: Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration because it believed that the ban was arbitrary and capricious, and would have a devastating impact on international students and the higher education system as a whole.
- What is the current status of the ban?: The ban has been blocked by a federal judge, and Harvard University and other institutions have been granted a reprieve, allowing them to continue to offer online-only instruction to international students without fear of reprisal from the government.
- How has the ban affected international students?: The ban has had a significant impact on international students, many of whom were forced to leave the United States or make alternative arrangements for their education.
Benefits of International Students
International students bring many benefits to the United States, including:
- Cultural diversity: International students bring different cultures and perspectives to the United States, enriching the educational experience for American students.
- Economic benefits: International students contribute billions of dollars to the US economy each year, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.
- Academic excellence: International students are often high-achieving and motivated, contributing to the academic excellence of American universities.
- Global connections: International students help to build global connections and networks, which are essential for American businesses and organizations in today’s globalized economy.
Here are some reasons why international students are important to the United States:
- They contribute to the US economy: International students contribute billions of dollars to the US economy each year, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.
- They enrich the educational experience: International students bring different cultures and perspectives to the United States, enriching the educational experience for American students.
- They help to build global connections: International students help to build global connections and networks, which are essential for American businesses and organizations in today’s globalized economy.
- They are high-achieving and motivated: International students are often high-achieving and motivated, contributing to the academic excellence of American universities.
Conclusion
The Harvard reprieve from the Trump foreign student ban is a significant development, allowing international students to continue their education in the United States without fear of reprisal from the government. The ban has had a significant impact on international students, many of whom were forced to leave the United States or make alternative arrangements for their education. However, with the reprieve, international students can now continue to pursue their educational goals in the United States, contributing to the cultural diversity, economic benefits, academic excellence, and global connections that are essential to American universities.
Harvard Gets Longer Reprieve From Trump Foreign Student Ban
