U.S. restriction on international students criticized by Danish minister
The United States' Department of Homeland Security, under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, has revoked Harvard University's ability to admit international students. This move is part of a broader conflict with the prestigious institution, which stems from several disputes, including allegations of a hostile campus environment, collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party, and non-compliance with record requests for foreign students.
Speaking in Brussels ahead of an EU ministers' meeting, Denmark's Higher Education and Science Minister, Christina Egelund, voiced concern over the U.S.'s growing isolation in research and academia. She emphasized the need for academic partnerships across international borders and cultures, stating, "I believe we live in a time where we need to understand each other more, not less. That's why I support stronger international cooperation, not the closing of doors."
According to Statistics Denmark's 2024 figures, over 9,700 Danes studied abroad, with approximately 1,200 enrolled at universities in either the U.S. or Canada. Conversely, more than 8,200 international students attended Danish universities last year, with 1,300 coming from North American countries.
Secretary Noem has pointed to alleged problems at Harvard, such as physical assaults on Jewish students and hosting members of a Chinese Communist Party paramilitary group linked to the Uyghur genocide. The administration's decision also stems from Harvard's refusal to comply with requests to produce records about its foreign students.
The U.S.'s decision threatens Harvard University with a significant financial loss due to the loss of international students. The university's leadership has deemed the decision "unlawful" and has filed a lawsuit to halt its immediate implementation. Harvard students report feeling "panicked" by the development, according to news agency AFP.
The Trump administration's decision affects thousands of Harvard's international students, who may be forced to transfer to another U.S. institution or leave the country. If the lawsuit does not completely overturn the decision, the university may face severe financial consequences and a loss of international collaborative opportunities.
- Minister Christina Egelund of Denmark's Higher Education and Science department expressed worry about the U.S.'s increasing isolation in the realm of research and academia, advocating for stronger international cooperation.
- Despite the U.S.'s decision, over 9,700 Danes pursued higher education abroad in 2024, with many choosing universities in the U.S. or Canada.
- Allegations of hostile environments, collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party, and non-compliance with record requests for foreign students have been key points of contention between Secretary Kristi Noem and Harvard University.
- The decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to admit international students could lead to significant financial losses for the university and potential loss of valuable international collaborative opportunities.
