(Image source from: x.com/raghav_chadha)

Raghav Chadha, a member of parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has expressed his vehement disapproval of President Donald Trump's recent action to prohibit Harvard University from admitting international students. He argued that this decision poses a threat to the prospects of these students, especially those associated with Harvard. In a statement on social media, Chadha remarked, "President Trump's recent action endangers the aspirations and futures of international students at Harvard and elsewhere. As a proud alum of the Harvard community, I show my support for diversity and academic freedom."

Having graduated from Harvard himself, Mr. Chadha voiced his solidarity with those adversely affected by this new policy. He emphasized, "I stand with @Harvard and all international students whose aspirations are jeopardized. It is essential that we advocate for academic freedom and global cooperation." In response, Harvard University denounced the decision as not only unlawful but also unnecessary, arguing that it jeopardizes the futures of countless students and scholars.

The institution has initiated legal action and is pursuing a temporary restraining order while exploring all possible legal remedies. In a statement issued on Friday, Harvard's Office of the President declared, "Yesterday, the federal government announced it has withdrawn Harvard's certification within the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), rescinding the University’s permission to sponsor F- and J-visas for international students and scholars for the 2025-26 academic year. This revocation is part of a broader series of governmental attempts to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to cede our academic autonomy and submit to the federal government’s illegal overreach regarding our curriculum, faculty, and student body."

Harvard reassured its international community of its dedication to upholding academic freedom and offered support for those impacted by this decision. They stated, "We vehemently oppose this unlawful and unjustified action. It threatens the futures of thousands of students and scholars within Harvard and acts as a warning to many others across colleges and universities in the nation who have traveled to America to pursue their education and realize their dreams. We have just filed a complaint, and a motion for a temporary restraining order will be forthcoming. While we seek legal remedies, we will exert every effort to assist our students and scholars. The Harvard International Office will keep the community informed with updates as more information becomes available."

President Trump’s recent move threatens the dreams and futures of international students at Harvard and beyond. As a proud member of the Harvard community, I wear my colours to show support for inclusion and academic freedom. I stand with @Harvard and all international students… pic.twitter.com/DCPS6yr227

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) May 23, 2025

The statement elaborated that the government asserts its aggressive measures are a result of Harvard's noncompliance with requests made by the US Department of Homeland Security for specific information. "In actuality, Harvard did fulfill the Department's information requests as mandated by law. To the international students and scholars impacted by the actions taken yesterday, please remember that you are cherished members of our community. You are our classmates and friends, our colleagues and mentors, and you partner with us in advancing the mission of this esteemed institution. Your presence enriches our knowledge and understanding, making our nation and our world more enlightened and resilient. We stand with you and will exert every effort to ensure that Harvard remains accessible to the global community," the Harvard statement continued.

Earlier on Thursday, a representative of the White House remarked, "Accepting foreign students is a privilege, not an entitlement." It criticized the leadership at Harvard for allegedly transforming "their once-storied institution into a center for anti-American, anti-Semitic, and pro-terrorist sentiments." In a statement to CNN, White House press secretary Abigail Jackson noted, "They have consistently ignored the pressing issues adversely affecting American students, and now they must confront the repercussions of their inaction."

For several months, Harvard and the Trump administration have been embroiled in a dispute, as the administration insists that the university revise its curriculum and hiring practices to eliminate antisemitism on campus along with what it deems "racist diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives." The administration has specifically focused on foreign students and staff, who it believes played a role in the heated campus demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.