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Harvard University is currently facing a challenge from the Trump administration's ban on international students, which has significant implications for its Catholic chaplaincy. Father William T. Kelly, senior chaplain of the Harvard Catholic Center, emphasized the support available to affected students: “Jesus says, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.’ The Lord is always there for them. The church is always there for them.”
The ban could also impact the center’s missionary work beyond U.S. borders. This development follows a temporary block by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs in Boston against revoking Harvard’s certification for the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Harvard is being held accountable for “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.” She further noted that enrolling foreign students is a privilege and not a right.
Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the revocation violates several constitutional provisions and threatens to erase a quarter of its student body. Approximately 6,800 international students face uncertainty due to this decision.
Father Kelly described the situation as causing "basic uncertainty" among students and highlighted how it affects those who have already left campus after semester end. He mentioned one Italian couple who may have to return home despite having just had a child in the U.S.
The chaplain emphasized that international students play an essential role at Harvard by bringing diverse cultural faiths and experiences that enrich campus life. He noted their contributions both during their time at Harvard and when they return to leadership roles in their home countries.
The revocation impacts what Father Kelly describes as an important responsibility of providing international students with a strong Catholic experience at St. Paul’s Church and Harvard Catholic Center.
Despite these challenges, Father Kelly remains committed to supporting affected students alongside graduate chaplain Father George Salzmann and undergraduate chaplain Father Nathaniel Sanders: “Being with them, just reminding them that the church is here for them.”
Gina Christian reported this story for OSV News.
