In a prompt and forceful response to the Trump administration’s controversial move to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha expressed strong support for the Ivy League institution and its diverse student community.
Chadha, a Harvard alumnus himself, criticised the decision, warning that it threatens academic freedom and jeopardises the futures of thousands of students worldwide.
US Department Of Homeland Security Revokes Visa Privileges
On Thursday, the US Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, revoked Harvard’s authority to enrol students under the F-1 visa programme.
In reaction to this, Chadha took to social media platform X to voice his solidarity with Harvard, stressing the importance of inclusion and global collaboration.
He stated, “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 whose dreams and futures are under threat. We must defend academic freedom and global collaboration.”
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The Department of Homeland Security accused Harvard of maintaining an ‘unsafe campus environment’, alleging tolerance of ‘anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators’ and purported links to the Chinese Communist Party.
Officials claimed the university hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024.
Harvard Files Lawsuit, Cites Constitutional Violation
The move sparked immediate backlash from both academic and political communities.
Harvard swiftly filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston, branding the government’s action as ‘unconstitutional retaliation’ intended to punish the university for resisting White House political pressures.
Harvard argued the decision violates the First Amendment and would have an “immediate and devastating effect” on over 7,000 international students currently enrolled.
Chadha’s social media post, featuring hashtags #StandWithHarvard and #WeAre1H, echoes wider international unease about the politicisation of education and immigration policies in the United States.
As this controversy unfolds, stakeholders continue to debate the implications for academic freedom and the future of global student mobility.
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