U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to suspend entry for foreign students at Harvard University has sparked sharp criticism from academics across the country. The suspension, set for an initial six months, bars international students and exchange program participants from studying at the prestigious Ivy League institution, citing national security concerns.
The proclamation has sent shockwaves through the academic community, with many expressing concern over its impact on higher education in the United States. Jay Nygard, a staff member at the University of Minnesota, voiced his apprehensions about the move.
“There are a tremendous number of not only foreign students but also foreign instructors and teaching assistants,” Nygard told CGTN. “This will affect the operation, funding, and overall makeup of U.S. universities. Students are getting caught up in this whole student visa hysteria and political hysteria that it seems the current administration doesn’t understand.”
Foreign students make up a significant portion of the student body in many U.S. universities, contributing not only to the diversity of campuses but also to the economy. The new suspension raises concerns about the future of international education and the global reputation of American institutions.
As universities navigate the complexities of the ongoing global situation and shifting immigration policies, many are calling for a reassessment of decisions that could have long-term repercussions on the educational landscape.
