Archive · 19 May 2025
Trump Administration Seeks to Deport Harvard Scientist Kseniia Petrova
Imagine a scientist named Kseniia, who works at a big school in America called Harvard.
She went on a trip but was stopped at the airport and told she might have to go back to Russia.
The government is trying to send her back because she forgot to declare some stuff she was carrying, and because she was protesting in Russia.
Kseniia is worried she will be arrested if she goes back to Russia.
Her lawyer is fighting to let her stay in the US because she's asking for safety here.
The government is trying to send away more people, including some who go to universities.
Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard Medical School researcher, faces deportation back to Russia.
She was detained in February upon returning from a vacation.
Petrova's lawyer confirmed the government's attempt to deport her.
Petrova told authorities she feared arrest if she returned to Russia due to political protest participation.
The Trump administration is increasing deportations, including those in higher education.
- Who
- Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard Medical School researcher; the Trump administration.
- What
- The Trump administration seeks to deport Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard scientist.
- When
- Detained in February; deportation case ongoing.
- Where
- United States, at a Boston airport and at Harvard Medical School.
- Why
- She allegedly failed to declare biological samples; she participated in political protests in Russia and fears arrest if she returns.
Supporters of Kseniia Petrova
Trump Administration
Deportation
Supporters of Kseniia Petrova
Deportation is unjust as she is seeking asylum fearing political persecution.
Trump Administration
Deportation is necessary to uphold immigration laws.
Academic Freedom
Supporters of Kseniia Petrova
The administration's actions are suppressing academic freedom.
Trump Administration
The administration's actions are focused on national security.
- Affiliation
- Harvard Medical School
- Home Country
- Russia
- Petrova's Status
- Seeking asylum
- Detainment Date
- Detained in February
- Reason for detainment
- Biological Samples