Articles in this Cluster
06-06-2025
A federal judge, Allison D. Burroughs, temporarily blocked a new White House proclamation that sought to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students, extending an earlier order that also halted Department of Homeland Security efforts to restrict student visas. The ruling is a provisional win for Harvard in its escalating legal fight with the Trump administration, which has targeted the university over issues ranging from antisemitism and DEI programs to ties with China. Harvard argues the president’s action misuses executive authority by singling out the school rather than a class of foreign nationals, violating its First Amendment rights. The proclamation appeared to affect only newly arriving Harvard students but urged consideration of revoking existing visas, potentially impacting thousands. Harvard is developing contingency plans for affected students while the case continues.
Entities: Harvard University, Allison D. Burroughs, Trump administration, Department of Homeland Security, White House proclamation • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
06-06-2025
SCMP’s weekly highlights feature seven notable stories: a Chinese Harvard commencement speech ignites debate in China over access and privilege in elite education; a former Taiwanese defense minister warns that PLA “grey zone” operations and a lack of cross-strait communication heighten the risk of military mishaps; and a series of tremors in Hokkaido revives Japanese fears of a potential megaquake. Other items include Hong Kong’s closure of Singapore’s historic 1880 social club and tips from Japanese men on staying youthful.
Entities: South China Morning Post, Harvard University, China, Taiwan, People's Liberation Army • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
06-06-2025
A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked President Trump’s proclamation barring foreign nationals from entering the U.S. to study or join exchange programs at Harvard, granting a restraining order that halts the policy while litigation proceeds. Judge Allison Burroughs found the six-month ban would cause immediate, irreparable harm. The ruling follows her earlier order blocking a separate attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. Harvard, where international students comprise over a quarter of the student body, amended its lawsuit to challenge the new directive, arguing it violates the prior court decision.
Entities: Harvard University, President Donald Trump, Judge Allison Burroughs, Boston federal court, international students • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
06-06-2025
The US State Department plans to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students and heighten scrutiny of applications, with a new presidential proclamation also targeting Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students due to alleged China links. Chinese students report fear and uncertainty, with some considering alternatives like the UK. Universities are advising that visa revocations could trigger ICE actions, deepening anxiety after recent detentions of lawful residents. Chinese enrollment has already fallen 25% since 2019–20 to about 277,400, and experts warn the crackdown will harm US research and competitiveness by cutting off top talent. Critics say the focus on CCP ties and “critical fields” risks racial profiling and drives scholars away, potentially damaging American universities.
Entities: US State Department, Chinese students, Harvard University, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), presidential proclamation • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
