Harvard’s foreign students were feeling pretty anxious about things on campus. The Trump administration tried to ban international scholars at the oldest university in the US, causing a whole lot of panic among the students. The Department of Homeland Security made a surprising announcement on Thursday that sent everyone into a frenzy.
The move made flights home for the summer get cancelled, students scrambling for housing to stay in the US over the break, and some even trying to transfer schools in a hurry. Harvard decided to sue because they thought the ban violated the US constitution, and a federal judge blocked the White House from kicking out foreign students for now. This was a relief for the estimated 27% of the student body who are international, about 6,700 students in total.
Genia Lukin, a third-year PhD candidate from Israel, got the news during a lab meeting and was shocked, to say the least. It was a mix of anxiety and bewilderment for most international students. She’s currently in a “wait-and-see mode” following the injunction and had to cancel travel plans with her husband. The uncertainty is driving everyone crazy, wondering if they can finish their degrees remotely. Losing a PhD halfway through would be devastating for sure.
The fear of repercussions from the crackdown on academics and student protesters made many students and staff speak anonymously. A Ukrainian freshman at Harvard, who goes back to a war-torn country during holidays, was unsure if she could return to the US if she left. She’s lucky to have housing for the summer, unlike some friends who are considering transferring to different schools. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved, and it’s definitely not logical, but that seems to be the theme in America right now.
The legal battle has caused mass panic among international friends, with many staying up all night discussing their options and plan Bs. The uncertainty is real, and it’s making everyone worried about their future plans. Harvard is seen as a beacon of light in the world, so any threat to it is scary. The campus is buzzing with discussions and fears, with students and staff trying to make sense of it all.
Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, released a strong statement condemning the action and promising to fight for the students and scholars affected. The federal judge’s block brought some hope to the community, but the fear and uncertainty still linger. Many international students rely on financial aid and Harvard’s support system, and they can’t afford to have their studies disrupted. The impact of the ban goes beyond just academic concerns, affecting dreams and opportunities.
In times like these, it’s important to stand together and support each other. The Harvard community is facing a challenging situation, but they’re not alone in this fight. The battle is far from over, but there’s hope that justice will prevail in the end.
