'Our dreams are shattering, and a friend's knock on the door frightens us all.' This is what Pratyush Rawal, an Indian student at the prestigious Harvard University, has to say. Pratyush recounts, 'On the night of May 22, mundane events became terrifying for a group of Harvard's international students gathered in a house in Somerville city. A fire truck's arrival or a friend's knock on the door startled us. After the Trump administration's decision, our legal status had vanished. That night, all of us were engulfed in fear and uncertainty. During the next 24 hours, these students were considered 'out-of-status', meaning they had lost the legal standing to remain in the US.'
Indeed, recent days have been incredibly stressful for international students at Harvard University. The revocation by President Donald Trump's administration of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) poses a risk to the legal status of about 6,800 international students, with around 800 being of Indian origin. This decision has ignited an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty not only at Harvard but among international students throughout the US.
Stoppage on Student Visas
The Trump administration has recently issued a new order, citing national security, that halts visas for new international students at Harvard. This initiative is viewed as another effort to close the doors of Harvard to international students. However, Harvard is contesting this decision legally, determined to ensure the safety of its international students, asserting that Harvard would not be Harvard without them.
Worries and Dreams at Stake
Many students at Harvard are now concerned about their future. Some are questioning their ability to complete their degrees, while others are seeking to transfer to other universities or find employment. Pratyush Rawal shares, 'Our dreams are crumbling. Many friends who were admitted to Harvard are now reconsidering their decision to come here.'
Financial Concerns and Research Impact
The Trump administration demanded changes to Harvard's recruitment process, including the incorporation of 'ideological diversity' to promote conservative ideologies. When Harvard refused, the government suspended $2.2 billion in federal grants and jeopardized $1 billion in health research funding. A researcher, requesting anonymity, remarked, 'We came here for science, but these directives have diverted our focus from work. This uncertainty is affecting both our research and mental health.'
Social Media Surveillance Concerns
Students also fear that their social media activities are being monitored. An international student, preferring to remain anonymous, noted, 'Now, our social media posts could be scrutinized, influencing visa approval decisions. Such concerns never existed at Harvard before.'
Support from the Boston Community
Indian community members and leaders in Boston have stepped forward to help students. Syed Ali Rizvi, an entrepreneur and community influencer, stated, 'We are receiving messages from students seeking assistance. We're trying to connect them with legal experts to provide support.'
Harvard's Legal Battle
Harvard has taken the government to federal court, demanding the release of the suspended $2.2 billion funding, deeming the government's actions unlawful. The university insists that these measures undermine its autonomy. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has accused Harvard of fostering or ignoring anti-Semitic sentiments and is demanding several reforms.
The clash between Harvard and the Trump administration not only impacts Harvard but international students across the US. A former professor, speaking anonymously, expressed, 'Harvard and the nation cannot be segregated. By targeting a significant institution, the government aims to control others.' As this legal and political battle continues, Harvard's international students live under a shadow of fear and uncertainty about their future.
