Harvard's International Students Face Uncertainty Amid U.S. Policy Changes**

Tue Oct 21 2025 13:32:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Over 6,800 international students at Harvard are left anxious and confused after new policies threaten their studies and future.**

The Trump administration's crackdown on foreign students has left many at Harvard reconsidering their future in the U.S., as the university fights against a policy that could disrupt thousands of lives.**

With graduation approaching, students like Shreya Mishra Reddy, a participant in Harvard's executive leadership program, are grappling with a shocking reality: they may not graduate due to the Trump administration’s recent order halting the enrollment of international students. Shreya, one of 6,800 international students at the Ivy League school, shared her family's disbelief at this sudden news, as Harvard's status as a prestigious institution is highly coveted, particularly in India.

Harvard's international students comprise over 27% of their enrollment. Many, including Shreya, are now uncertain about their academic futures, with concerns over student visas and work opportunities looming large. The university has deemed the government's stance "unlawful" and plans to mount a legal challenge, yet many students feel caught in a precarious situation awaiting a resolution.

Amidst these changes, the crackdown on universities has intensified, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. For students like Kat Xie from China, the governmental attack came unexpectedly, despite previous warnings. Fear has gripped the foreign student community, leading some to consider their options while feeling overwhelmed by the complexity and cost.

The policies seemingly target international students, especially from China, as tension between the U.S. and Beijing escalates. Abdullah Shahid Sial from Pakistan expressed feelings of dehumanization as he contemplates the implications of his education journey, which was once seen as a path filled with opportunities and cultural exchange.

Students wrestle with fear of returning home during breaks, as re-entering the U.S. becomes a daunting prospect amidst these evolving policies. Jiang Fangzhou, a postgraduate student, articulated the struggles many face—deep connections formed in their temporary homes at Harvard, with lives and futures abruptly threatened.

In the swirl of political change and uncertainty, international students at Harvard find themselves at a crossroads, hoping for a supportive resolution while fearing it might alter their American dream forever.