• Trump's administration has revoked Harvard's eligibility for international student visas.
• Up to 6,800 foreign students may be forced to leave Harvard, impacting athletic teams.
• Nearly 21% of Harvard athletes are international students, with several teams relying on them.
• Gov. Maura Healey criticizes the decision as harmful to students and the economy.
• Harvard declares the move unlawful and vows to continue fighting hate on campus.

The Trump administration's recent decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students threatens to significantly diminish several of the school's athletic teams, particularly affecting the Ivy League's largest athletic program. Harvard's men’s heavyweight crew team recently won the Eastern Sprints title, yet seven of its eight rowers listed on the school’s website have international hometowns. Notably, many athletes across various sports, including men's hockey, men’s squash, women’s soccer, and golf, originate from abroad, according to Indiatimes, NPR, and HuffPost.

The implications of this policy extend beyond sports, as the Department of Homeland Security claims Harvard has fostered an unsafe environment that allegedly allows "anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators" to target Jewish students. Consequently, this could lead to the displacement of approximately 6,800 foreign students, which accounts for more than a quarter of the institution's total enrollment. Harvard's athletic program, with 42 varsity teams, might experience a drastic reduction in talent, as recent reports indicate that 21% of athletes, equating to 196 of 919 players, list international hometowns, according to Indiatimes, NPR, and HuffPost.

In response to the visa policy's implications, Harvard has labeled the action as unlawful and indicated its intent to provide guidance for affected students. President Alan Garber, who noted his own Jewish heritage, emphasized the university’s commitment to combating hate while complying with legal standards. He asserted, “We will continue to fight hate with the urgency it demands,” indicating a commitment to the safety and rights of all students, as reported by Indiatimes, NPR, and HuffPost.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Harvard alumna, criticized the move as detrimental to both students and the state’s economy. She stated, “President Trump is punishing our students and hurting our economy,” claiming that the policy inadvertently benefits rival nations recruiting international students. Healey's comments underline the broader implications of this policy on educational institutions and their contributions to innovation and research, as noted by Indiatimes, NPR, and HuffPost.