Harvard Flooded with Transfer Requests as Trump Crackdown Sparks Chaos for International Students

Cambridge, MA – Harvard University is facing an overwhelming wave of transfer inquiries from foreign students, following aggressive moves by the Trump administration to block the institution from hosting international scholars.

Maureen Martin, Director of Immigration Services at Harvard, disclosed in a court filing on Wednesday that “too many international students to count” have reached out about transferring to other institutions due to escalating immigration restrictions.

President Donald Trump’s latest efforts — part of his broader campaign against U.S. universities — have included suspending student visa processing, targeting international scholars and student activists for deportation, and moving to block prestigious institutions like Harvard from enrolling foreign nationals.

“These actions have upended the United States’ reputation as a welcoming destination for global education,” Martin stated, adding that the university has been “inundated with questions from current international students and scholars about their status and options.”

Foreign students made up more than 27% of Harvard’s enrollment during the 2024–25 academic year, according to university data. Many are reportedly experiencing high levels of emotional stress, uncertainty, and disrupted academic focus.

“Some international students were too afraid to attend their graduation ceremonies or canceled travel plans, fearing they would not be allowed re-entry into the U.S.,” Martin added.

The impact of the administration’s crackdown isn’t limited to international students alone. A handful of domestic students have also expressed serious interest in transferring, stating they would rather attend a university that embraces diversity and global engagement.

The situation escalated when at least 10 Harvard-affiliated international students and scholars had their visa applications revoked or refused — even in cases where approvals had previously been granted.

Although a federal judge recently issued a temporary suspension of the government’s ban, Harvard continues to seek a permanent legal remedy, arguing that the administration’s actions are unconstitutional. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere on campus remains tense. “The fear, concern, and confusion among students and staff is profound,” Martin emphasized.

This conflict highlights a growing rift between U.S. academic institutions and federal immigration policy under the Trump administration — one that could have lasting consequences for the global reputation of American higher education.