Higher education ministry monitoring Harvard's foreign student ban
According to the ministry, the move by the US Department of Homeland Security on May 22 follows the current administration's actions to prevent Harvard from enrolling new international students.
It added that this restriction also puts pressure on existing international students at Harvard to transfer to other institutions to maintain their visa status.
The issue is being closely observed through the Education Malaysia office in Washington DC (EMWDC), which is currently monitoring 54 Malaysian students at Harvard — 16 of whom are sponsored, and 38 self-funded.
"A recent development, in which the US Federal Court upheld a temporary restraining order filed by Harvard University, offers relief to more than 6,800 international students at the institution," the ministry said in a statement.
"This decision allows international students, including Malaysians, to continue their studies without disruptions to their current visa status."
The ministry and EMWDC are also liaising with student sponsors and relevant US education authorities.
It also welcomed the commitment shown by stakeholders to ensure the welfare of Malaysian students is safeguarded.
"In line with the Malaysia Madani concept, the ministry will continue to support Malaysians studying abroad under any circumstances."
It was reported recently that a US federal judge temporarily blocked the government's plan to bar international students from enrolling at Harvard University.
The temporary injunction, issued by Judge Allison D. Burroughs, prevents the US government from stopping Harvard from continuing to accept international students under its federal programme.
Harvard had filed a lawsuit against the federal government in the Massachusetts District Court just hours before the ruling, alleging that the administration of President Donald Trump was unlawfully retaliating against the university.
Meanwhile, the ministry also reminded students to regularly update their Optional Practical Training information and to be cautious in all immigration-related matters.
Currently, there are no reports of Malaysian students facing issues related to their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records or visa revocations.
"New students scheduled to begin their studies at Harvard this September are advised to contact the university and their respective sponsors directly to get the latest updates before making any further decisions.
"Malaysia believes that cross-border higher education is vital for global talent development, knowledge exchange, and strategic international collaboration.
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