Hundreds of British students may be forced to leave Harvard University after the Trump administration barred the institution from accepting international students.
The action was taken by the Department of Homeland Security as tensions grow between the White House and Harvard, marking a sharp shift in U.S. policy on education and immigration.
The situation began when the U.S. government stripped Harvard of its right to recruit foreign students, citing concerns about campus safety and political issues. The decision applies to all international students, including many from the United Kingdom, who now risk losing their visas or being transferred to other institutions. The policy affects not only future applicants but also those already enrolled in programs.
British families are reacting with anger and concern, with some urging the UK government to step in. Ministers are being asked to engage with Washington and defend students caught in the middle. Officials are also seeking more information on how the decision will be carried out and what options are available for those affected. Parents and students are being told to contact Harvard and seek legal advice.
Tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard have been building for months. The university has taken stances on social and political matters that put it at odds with the president. In response, the U.S. government accused the institution of failing to manage tensions on campus and claimed it had ties to hostile foreign interests, without providing detailed evidence.
Harvard rejected the claims and called the recruitment ban unfair and unlawful. The university is preparing to fight the decision through legal channels and is working to support the international students currently at risk. Staff have begun advising students on how to navigate the changing rules and what steps they may need to take next.
In the UK, several former education officials condemned the U.S. action, warning it could damage academic ties between the two nations. They said punishing students because of political disagreements with a university sets a dangerous precedent and could make the U.S. a less welcoming place for international talent.
For the students caught in the middle, the news has been unsettling. Many came to the U.S. expecting stability and opportunity, but now face the possibility of having their education disrupted. Some have only just started their studies, while others are nearing graduation.
As the fallout continues, all eyes are on how the UK and U.S. governments will respond and whether the decision will be reversed. For now, British students at Harvard remain in limbo, unsure of what the future holds or how long they can stay.