Views of Harvard University.
Credit: Reuters photo
With the Donald Trump administration on a mission to bar foreign students from enrolling in one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, many international students are beginning to fear for their futures.
On Thursday, the US government blocked Harvard University from offering admissions to international students leaving many students in a limbo-like state.
However, this isn't just a crisis for those who were looking to apply to the university in the future. This decision also puts those students who are already enrolled at the university at risk of losing their legal status or having to transfer to another university.
But, Trump's decision is already facing hurdles. Right after the administrations' announcement, Harvard University sued the US government in Boston federal court, calling the move 'unconstitutional'. The judge barred the Trump administration from implementing this decision, giving some relief to the foreign students.
But this reprieve is temporary as the students fear if they situation turns for the worse, their legal status will be jeopardised. Many such students have taken to social media to express their woes.
Akshay Narayanan, an Indian student pursuing Master's in Public Health from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his apprehensions.
He wrote, "Much is at stake - I don’t know how the Harvard x Federal govt negotiation will unfold. I’m worried for all the obvious reasons.
"But I’m also sure that my friends, the incredible people they are will find ways to continue doing work that matters. No doubt. It gives me ease."
Prior to this post he also wrote, "Hey, if I don’t get to graduate, at least the Harvard drop-out brand is pretty strong. It’s an odd time, but I just finished the first year of my program, and it has been a privilege to learn here - with some of the most caring, passionate and wildly talented people I’ve met."
Though Trump's decision is harsh, it certainly doesn't come as a surprise. Since taking office, Trump has not hidden his feelings over Ivy League universities fostering anti-American, Marxist and "radical left" ideologies.
Moreover, recent amendments regarding an increase in vetting foreign citizens filing for immigration benefits, and an uptick in visa revocations, signal clear crackdowns from the current Republican government.