Dear Focus Reader,

This week, the Trump administration announced the revocation of Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, prompting swift legal action and global concern. The Department of Homeland Security's decision cited unspecified compliance issues and effectively stripped Harvard of its certification to sponsor international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Harvard filed a federal lawsuit less than 24 hours later, calling the move unconstitutional and politically motivated. Additionally, a Massachusetts judge temporarily blocked the decision on Friday, offering a reprieve for the university's nearly 7,000 international students, many of whom hail from China.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the action, stating that Beijing opposes the politicization of education cooperation, and warning it could damage U.S. credibility abroad. Chinese students represent one of the largest international student populations in the U.S., and the news has unsettled families and counselors across Asia, with some universities, including Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, offering to take in affected students.

The move follows a broader trend of targeting universities and international academic exchanges. A recent federal ruling also blocked the revocation of visas tied to student protest activity, raising alarms about academic freedom and due process protections.

"Entire graduate programs could be upended," warned Boston College professor Chris Glass. For now, Harvard's legal challenge proceeds, but the uncertainty has cast a large shadow over America's reputation as a destination for global talent.

Learn more on China-U.S. relations by catching up on our latest Focus content, including articles covering the Geneva trade talks, China's control over key rare earth elements, and more.