MAGA Movement Targets Daughters of Global Leaders at Harvard
In a significant development reflecting growing tensions around foreign students in the United States, individuals associated with prominent international figures have come under scrutiny at Harvard University. The daughters of Canada's former Prime Minister Mark Carney and China's President Xi Jinping are reportedly being targeted for expulsion by officials aligned with the MAGA movement amid a broader campaign to reshape liberal US universities.
Expulsion Threats and Political Backdrop
The movement, linked to the Trump administration's efforts to curtail perceived liberal activism on college campuses, has focused on Cleo Carney, a social studies major at Harvard and known liberal activist involved in environmental and political causes. Cleo Carney had previously introduced her father at a Liberal Party convention and was noticeable for her pro-Palestinian activism, including a recent arrest at a London rally. This activism has drawn ire from MAGA supporters targeting Canadian affiliations.
Similarly, Xi Mingze, daughter of China’s leader, who graduated from Harvard in 2014 under a pseudonym and reportedly resumed studies at the institution, has come under intense scrutiny from MAGA-aligned groups. This is amid a wider antipathy toward foreign, particularly Chinese, students on US campuses.
Harvard's Certification Revoked Over Visa Compliance
Recent actions by the US Department of Homeland Security have led to Harvard losing its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This move effectively restricts Harvard's ability to enroll new international students, forcing many current foreign students to consider transferring or face visa complications.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
Broader MAGA Campaign Targeting Academic Freedom
This crackdown comes as part of a broader MAGA-driven campaign that opposes political activism by foreign students and restricts their presence on campus. An example includes the targeting of Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American undergraduate at MIT who faced a ban from her graduation ceremony following her critical remarks on the institution’s ties with the Israeli military and vocal support for Gaza.
The campaign's justification surrounds the assertion that foreign students take away educational and job opportunities from Americans, despite the significant economic and intellectual contributions that international students bring to US academia—valued in excess of $44 billion.
Response from Political and Academic Leaders
While the MAGA movement’s measures have faced strong criticism from across the political spectrum, including moderate Republicans, the offensive against international students has raised concerns about the future of US higher education.
Former Ohio Governor John Kasich condemned the expulsion of foreign students from Harvard as “a huge mistake”, emphasizing the loss of brainpower and the international understanding these students foster. Many foreign graduates return home as global leaders who carry a nuanced appreciation of America, thereby strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
Impact on Indian Alumni and Global Educational Relations
Harvard counts notable Indian alumni such as Anand Mahindra, Rahul Bajaj, P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, and Naina Lal Kidwai, representing a longstanding legacy of international leadership shaped by the university.
The current climate jeopardizes educational partnerships and leadership development opportunities that have historically benefited both the United States and international communities.
Conclusion
The MAGA movement's campaign at prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT signals a turning point in US education policy regarding foreign students. While intended to align university campuses with specific political ideals, the potential repercussions include diminished academic freedom, reduced international collaboration, and significant economic impacts on American institutions.
