Key Points

In a contentious statement, Donald Trump proposed that Harvard University should limit its foreign student admissions to 15%. He argued that the current 31% of international students includes "troublemakers" from radicalized regions, potentially causing unrest. Harvard responded by filing a legal complaint, arguing the decision could harm thousands of students' futures. This clash highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and university policies surrounding international education.

Key Points: Trump Urges Harvard to Limit Foreign Student Admissions

  • Trump calls for cap on Harvard foreign admissions
  • Claims Harvard admits radicals causing unrest
  • Harvard challenges Trump's demand in court
4 min read

We don't want to see shopping centres explode: Donald Trump suggest Harvard University to cap foreign admissions

Trump suggests capping Harvard's foreign students at 15% to prevent potential unrest.

"We don't want to see shopping centres explode. - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC May 29

US President Donald Trump doubled down on his attacks against Harvard University by suggesting that the institution cap the number of foreign students it admits at 15 per cent.

In a fiery remark against Harvard University, Trump suggested that many foreign nationals admitted by Harvard are "troublemakers", disrupting the country. "We don't want to see shopping centres explode. We don't want to see the kind of riots that you had," he added.

Stating that Harvard University admits almost 31 percent of foreign students which some are from "areas of the world that are very radicalised", Trump said, "Why would 31 percent? Why would a number be so big? I think they (Harvard University) should have a cap of maybe around 15 per cent. We have people that want to go to Harvard and other schools but they can't get in because we have foreign students there."

"I want to make sure that foreign students are people that can love our country. We don't want to see shopping centres explode. We don't want to see the kind of riots that you had, and I'll tell you what, many of those students didn't go anywhere, many of those students were troublemakers caused by the radical left." Trump added.

Amidst the Trump administration's continuous demand to Harvard University to hand over foreign students' entire conduct records, Trump emphasised that the US government wants to know if the students coming to the US are "troublemakers," assuring that the administration "doesn't want them making trouble in our country."

"Harvard has to show us their lists. They have foreign students - almost 31 per cent of their students. We want to know where those students come from, whether they are troublemakers, and what countries they come from... You're going to see some very radical people. They're taking people from areas of the world that are very radicalised, and we don't want them making trouble in our country," Trump said.

As reported by CNN, Harvard has said in court documents that full-time international students make up about a quarter of its student body. Harvard has broadly refused many government demands, including that it hand over foreign students' entire conduct records and allow audits to confirm it has expanded "viewpoint diversity."

Trump further accused Harvard of being "anti-Semitic" and suggested that the money the US invests in Harvard can be used to open trade schools.

"Harvard has been a disaster. They've taken $ 5 billion+... And by the way, they're totally anti-semitic at Harvard, and some other colleges too. It's been exposed, very exposed, and I think they're dealing very badly. Every time they fight, they lose another 250 million dollars... I think this is what everyone's coming up to me saying, we love the idea of trade schools with that kind of money and money from others, but money from them. You can have the best trade schools anywhere in the world... They can only be used for trade schools, and they'll teach people how to build AI," Trump said.

Earlier, the Donald Trump administration decided to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students.

Following Trump's order, Harvard University condemned the decision as unlawful and unwarranted, said that the decision "imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars."

The university filed a legal complaint and announced plans to seek a temporary restraining order as it pursues all available remedies.

According to CNN, a federal judge had temporarily halted the Trump administration's ban on Friday, after Harvard University filed a suit in federal court.

Harvard argued revocation of its certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program was "clear retaliation" for its refusal of the government's ideologically rooted policy demands.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Trump's comments are concerning. As a country that sends many students to US universities, India should watch this closely. Education should be about merit, not nationality. Many Indian students work hard to get into Harvard - they shouldn't face discrimination because of politics. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While security concerns are valid, blanket statements about foreign students being "troublemakers" are unfair. Indian students contribute billions to US economy and excel academically. This rhetoric might push talented students to consider UK/Canada/Australia instead. Bad move for US in long run!
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Arjun S.
Interesting how Trump talks about trade schools. India should take note - we need more vocational education too instead of just chasing Ivy League dreams. But his methods are wrong. You can't build walls around knowledge. Education should unite, not divide.
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Neha T.
As someone whose cousin studies at Harvard, this is scary! Indian students pay full fees and follow all rules. Trump is mixing up immigration issues with education. Hope US courts continue to block such arbitrary decisions. Education shouldn't be political football 🏈
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Sanjay R.
Trump has a point about security but execution is poor. India also faces challenges with foreign students in our universities. Balance is needed - thorough background checks yes, but not blanket bans. Maybe India and US can collaborate on better vetting systems?
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Meena P.
This makes me sad. America was always seen as land of opportunity. Now they want to close doors? Indian students bring diversity and talent. Maybe it's time for our IITs/IIMs to become world-class alternatives. "Make in India" should include education sector too!

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