Leaders from several global universities have expressed strong disapproval of a recent move by the U.S. administration that seeks to restrict foreign students from enrolling at Harvard University.

The proposal has sparked considerable concern over its potential long-term effects on higher education across the United States and beyond.

David Bach, Dean of the IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, stated that the action announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security threatens not only Harvard's standing but also the integrity of higher education institutions throughout the United States.

He emphasized that building a world-class academic institution is not feasible by relying solely on one country.

Instead, attracting the brightest minds from around the world and benefiting from diverse perspectives and backgrounds is what makes such efforts successful.

Emmanuel Mitter, Dean of the ADH Business School in Nice, France, indicated that the implications of President Donald Trump's policy could extend beyond U.S. borders.

In an email correspondence, he remarked that this move threatens academic partnerships, undermines academic exchange, and sends a misleading message about the value of openness in education and trade.

John Foster-Pedley, Dean and Director of Henley Business School in South Africa, criticized the U.S. administration's decision, warning that it could lead to devastating economic consequences, particularly considering the billions of dollars contributed annually by international students to the U.S. economy.

The existing student and exchange visitor program at Harvard currently enables the university to host international students holding visas to study in the United States.

The controversy surrounding this policy raises questions about the future of international academic collaboration and its implications for educational institutions worldwide.