The Donald Trump administration’s escalating conflict with American universities has entered a new and troubling phase. This week, the US State Department instructed embassies to pause new student visa interviews as it mulls expanding social media surveillance of applicants – a move widely interpreted as political retribution cloaked in security rhetoric.
This follows a series of actions that have targeted both foreign students and elite academic institutions. In April, the administration abruptly revoked hundreds of student visas in response to pro-Palestine protests on campuses. Federal funding to Harvard University is also reportedly under threat amid intensifying political tensions between the White House and campuses.
For Indian students – the largest group of international students in the US – these developments signal a deepening crisis. And editorials in prominent dailies have not only flagged the immediate fallout but also pointed to the broader, systemic damage being inflicted on American academia and global democratic norms.
Hindustan Times pointed out that such profiling has far-reaching implications for US academia, research, business, and the political economy at large.
“This may not necessarily be restricted to students’ perceptions of Israel and its military action in Gaza, but also extend to their views regarding civic rights, sexuality, even world history. The administration’s stance against a storied institution such as Harvard University indicates that it will go to any extent to enforce its writ on academia.”
“This pivot can have political and economic costs. First, foreign students contribute significantly to the US economy — research by NAFSA: Association of International Educators reported that this cohort added $43.8 billion to the US economy in 2023–2024 and supported 378,175 jobs across the country. This is a large talent pool that has historically contributed to building the US’s economic and technological prowess. Second, liberal US campuses are flagbearers of American soft power, which has historically given the West its edge over authoritarian ideologies. From the time of the Cold War to the rise of China, US campuses with their willingness to recognise free speech and the right to association have influenced young people across the world — from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe to Iran and China — to privilege liberal democracy over authoritarian welfare systems.”
An editorial in the Telegraph noted that the order seeking to halt visa interviews of new students to vet their profiles “has heightened anxieties”.
“American universities, which are heavily reliant on foreign students to raise funds, would find themselves crippled when it comes to raising money…an additional criterion — that of the scrutiny of social media profiles — raises ethical questions as well as the fear of curbs on free speech.”
“It must be asked whether Mr Trump’s real motive to wage this battle, as is the wont of authoritarian leaders, is to demolish the university as a citadel of free thought and fearless opinion. Indian students constitute a high percentage of applicants to American universities. The Indian government must take up the issue with its US counterpart to alleviate the plight of Indian students keen on an American education.”
Meanwhile, in an opinion piece in The Times of India, American political scientist Dan Cassino wrote that Trump won’t stop at Harvard. “No American goal is being served. Only self-goals. It’s about throwing a fit at anyone who doesn’t take the knee,” read the strap to the piece.
The Indian Express, in an editorial on May 24, had said that “America is finished” in “Trump vs Harvard”.
“Anti-semitism in a small section on the campus is being invoked to police what has been, for all its faults, a bastion of free expression. In a populist moment, the elite private colleges — including and especially the Ivy League — make for convenient scapegoats, to appeal to a base that feels left behind. The weaponisation of visa status sends a chilling message down the line on the right to protest and dissent. It says to every American: If we can go after Harvard, we can go after you. The attack on “foreigners” is of a piece with the parochial politics that is the hallmark of Trumpism.”
An editorial in The Hindu had noted the same day that it was “permanent damage”.
“Across the world, the authoritarian’s playbook for pluralistic societies is to identify an enemy against whom a campaign is unleashed based on real and imagined grievances. The campaign keeps the “enemy” in a state of disarray, even turmoil, with long-term damage and a chilling effect. Though sullied by unsavoury links, from the Salem witch trials to Enron, Harvard attracts some of the brightest talent from across the world and trains them for leadership roles in their chosen fields. It represents liberalism and knowledge creation that advances globalisation. Mr. Trump’s working and middle class support base looks at Harvard as one among elitist vehicles of globalisation that have excluded them while promoting affirmative action for minorities, especially African-Americans. While lineage and family background of prospective students are a factor for Harvard, an extensive scholarship programme seeks to balance that.”
Small teams can do great things. All it takes is a subscription. Subscribe now and power Newslaundry’s work.
Newslaundry is a reader-supported, ad-free, independent news outlet based out of New Delhi. Support their journalism, here.
