Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has sharply condemned the Trump administration's recent policies concerning international students, specifically the suspension of student visa interviews and the proposal of rigorous social media screenings for applicants.
Krishnamoorthi described these measures as "reckless decisions" that could undermine both the U.S. economy and national security. He emphasized the critical role international students play in driving advanced research, strengthening universities, and fostering innovation essential for the nation's global leadership and economic strength.
His statement follows directives from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructing embassies and consulates to halt scheduling new visa interviews for student applicants. The administration is also exploring expanded vetting of student social media activity, raising concerns among education and community leaders.
Moreover, President Trump suggested instituting a cap on foreign student admissions at Harvard University to 15 percent, citing concerns that the current rate of approximately 31 percent includes individuals from "very radicalized" regions. Trump further stated, "We have people that want to go to Harvard and other schools but they can't get in because we have foreign students there... I want to make sure that foreign students are people that can love our country. We don't want to see shopping centres explode. We don't want to see the kind of riots that you had... many of those students were troublemakers caused by the radical left." These remarks have sparked considerable debate regarding the implications for foreign students and institutional diversity.
Krishnamoorthi countered these views by highlighting that excluding international students is a "strategic blunder" that jeopardizes the United States' competitiveness on the global stage and weakens national security through diminished innovation.
