The proclamation, issued Wednesday, marked the latest attempt by Trump’s administration to cut off the nation’s oldest and wealthiest college from a quarter of its student body, which accounts for much of Harvard’s research and scholarship.
Hours earlier, Harvard had filed a legal challenge asking for the federal judge to block Trump’s order, calling it illegal retaliation for Harvard’s rejection of White House demands. In an amended lawsuit filed Thursday, Harvard said the president was attempting an end run around a previous court order.
The standoff with Harvard comes as the administration has been tightening scrutiny of student visas nationwide. Thousands of students around the country abruptly lost permission to be in the U.S. this spring before the administration reversed itself, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced last week the U.S. would “aggressively revoke” visas for students from China.
While many admitted students say they’re waiting to find out if they can come to the U.S., prospective students still in high school are starting to look elsewhere, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services.
Read Also: Donald Trump-Elon Musk Battle: A timeline of the turn of events
