Trump Administration Gives Harvard 30-Day Relief Amid Row Over International Student Enrollment

ICE gave Harvard 30 days to contest the administration's certification relocation. This follows a letter issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Thursday.

File image.

Source : PTI

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a letter on Thursday to Harvard University giving the school 30 days to achieve compliance with requirements to keep their SEVP certification. The SEVP certification would allow the university for continue with the enrollment of foreign students.

According to ABC News, the letter notified the school that its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification is liable to be revoked. However, the university has been given 30 days' time to comply with the rules that would let them keep their certification.

“Your school has 30 calendar days from the date of service of this Notice to submit written representations under oath and supported by documentary evidence, setting forth the reasons why SEVP should not withdraw your school's certification. If SEVP certification is withdrawn, your school will then no longer be approved to enroll or continue to educate nonimmigrant students,” the notice said, as quoted by ABC.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said that Harvard should limit its intake of non-American students to 15 per cent.

"Harvard has got to behave themselves," he said.

Meanwhile, the legal team of Harvard has argued that the removal of its certification was sudden and also did not follow the federal procedures. They also pointed out that the regulations require the department to provide a valid reason, give prior notice and also allow time for the institution to address any concerns.

The administration led by US President Trump claimed that Harvard was encouraging antisemitism and violence on its campus and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.

“Harvard is treating our country with great disrespect, and all they're doing is getting in deeper and deeper,” said Trump.