Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 23: In a sharp reaction to the Trump administration’s decision to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has come out strongly in support of the Ivy League institution and its global student body.

Chadha, an alumnus of Harvard himself, condemned the move and expressed concern over its impact on academic freedom and the future of thousands of international students.

Taking to X, Chadha said, “President Trump’s recent move threatens the dreams and futures of international students at Harvard and beyond. As a proud member of the Harvard community, I wear my colours to show support for inclusion and academic freedom.”

“I stand with @Harvard and all international students whose dreams and futures are under threat. We must defend academic freedom and global collaboration,” he added, using the hashtags #StandWithHarvard and #WeAre1H.

The US Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced on Thursday that Harvard’s ability to enrol students under the F-1 visa programme was being revoked. The department cited alleged concerns over campus safety and accused the university of tolerating “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” and maintaining ties with the Chinese Communist Party. It also alleged that Harvard hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group in 2024.

The decision has sparked outrage across academic and political circles, with many decrying it as an attack on educational freedom. In response, Harvard has reportedly filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston, terming the government’s move as “unconstitutional retaliation” against the university for resisting political pressure from the White House.

The university also claimed the action violates the First Amendment and would have a devastating impact on over 7,000 international students currently enrolled.