Ajay Bhutoria , Former advisor to President Biden on AANHPI commission and an strong advocate for immigration policies said “ As an Indian-American committed to fostering opportunity for our community and a strong advocate for immigration policies under Biden administration, I am deeply outraged by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Harvard University’s student visa program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This policy directly threatens over 500 Indian students at Harvard, forcing them to transfer or leave the U.S. before the next academic year begins. These students, who represent the brightest minds from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, have invested their dreams, finances, and futures in a Harvard education—only to have their aspirations shattered by a politically motivated attack. The additional demand by the Department of Homeland Security for protest footage and disciplinary records is a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence students, particularly those engaged in activism. This is not the America we stand for—an America that should be a beacon of opportunity, not a place of fear for young scholars.
The termination of Harvard’s SEVP certification sends a chilling message to Indian students and the broader South Asian diaspora: your contributions are not valued. Indian students contribute over $9 billion annually to the U.S. economy and strengthen the cultural and economic ties between our two nations, often going on to lead innovation in tech, medicine, and beyond. By targeting Harvard, the Trump administration risks driving talent to countries like Canada and the UK, weakening U.S.-India relations at a time when collaboration is more critical than ever. I call on the administration to reverse this decision immediately and urge the Biden-era allies in Congress to fight for our students’ rights. To the Indian government and our community: let us unite in advocacy, amplify these students’ voices, and ensure that education remains a bridge, not a barrier, between our nations."
