Trump orders immediate ban on new Chinese and other foreign students at Harvard, sparking outcry from Beijing

In a sweeping new proclamation issued late Wednesday night, President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on the enrollment of new Chinese and other foreign students at Harvard University.

The order, citing national security concerns, also directs federal agencies to launch a review of current foreign students, with a potential revocation of existing visas.

According to the proclamation, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have been tasked with identifying and scrutinizing all current foreign students at Harvard, beginning with those from China, with a view toward revocation “where national interest is compromised.” The proclamation does not specify the criteria for revocation but says the process will begin “within 15 days.”

Harvard University swiftly issued a statement expressing “deep concern and disappointment” over the decision. “This proclamation undermines the core values of academic freedom, diversity, and global cooperation,” the university said. “We urge federal leaders to reconsider policies that weaken America’s standing as a destination for the world’s brightest minds.”

Several other Ivy League institutions and academic advocacy groups also expressed alarm, warning that the policy could severely damage US. higher education and scientific innovation.

Beijing responded with sharp criticism. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move was “a blatant act of political repression” that would only “further isolate the United States on the global stage.” The spokesperson added, “The United States is weaponizing education and targeting innocent Chinese students for political gain. This not only violates the spirit of international exchange but also harms bilateral relations.”

Chinese state media echoed this sentiment, calling the proclamation “a McCarthyist maneuver in the 21st century” and warning of reciprocal measures against American institutions operating in China.

In China, the move is expected to further accelerate efforts to build up domestic educational capacity and attract returning scholars, even as thousands of Chinese students remain in limbo over their academic futures in the United States.

For now, Chinese students admitted to Harvard for the upcoming academic year face uncertainty, as do those currently enrolled. One student, speaking anonymously, said, “We came to learn, to build bridges, not to be pawns in a political fight. Now everything is in question.”

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