Trump Moves to Deport Harvard Scientist to Russia

She now faces deportation to Russia under President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement measures.

Harvard Scientist Detained Over Undeclared Frog Embryos

Kseniia Petrova, a Russian researcher affiliated with Harvard Medical School, was arrested at Boston’s Logan Airport in February after returning from a trip to Paris. U.S. Customs agents detained her for allegedly failing to declare biological materials in her luggage.

Administration Moves to Cancel Her Visa

Following the airport incident, U.S. authorities revoked Petrova’s visa and initiated deportation proceedings.

According to her lawyer, Gregori Romanovski, the government officially informed her that she would be expelled from the country, despite her legal immigration status.

“It is true that the government is trying to deport Ksenia,” Romanovski confirmed.
“She will have the opportunity to defend her asylum claim.”

Researcher Fears Persecution if Deported

Petrova, who, according to Hotnews has participated in anti-government protests in Russia, has filed an asylum request in the U.S. She argues that a forced return to Russia would put her at risk of arrest or worse.

Her legal team contends that the deportation attempt is not only premature but also dangerously dismissive of her political vulnerability.

Trump’s Immigration Clampdown Intensifies

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Donald Trump has re-launched aggressive immigration policies.

His administration has expanded the use of visa cancellations and expedited deportation orders, policies critics describe as “arbitrary” and “politicized.”

This case is one of several involving highly educated foreign nationals facing removal despite legal entry and employment.

Protests and Politics on Campus Under Scrutiny

Petrova’s case is unfolding amid a wider political crackdown on academic institutions.

The Trump administration has accused elite universities, including Harvard, of harboring and enabling anti-Israel activism on campus.

Funding cuts and threats of visa revocation have followed student protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, raising concerns about academic freedom and civil liberties.

Legal Battle Ahead: “We Will Continue to Fight”

Petrova remains in legal limbo as her lawyers prepare to challenge her deportation through the asylum process.

“We will continue to fight for Ksenia’s freedom and for her immigration status in the United States,” said Romanovski.

No final decision on her removal is expected in the near term.