I was abruptly awakened the other night by a panicked phone call from a friend studying in the United States. She informed me that the US Department of Homeland Security had announced the decision to bar Harvard from enrolling international students. As I hung up the call, I saw my shocked reflection on the phone screen.

Door closed

Though the United States once prided itself on being a "melting pot" of cultures, it now seems to be slamming the door shut on the thousands who have come to its shores. According to official data, the 2023-2024 academic year witnessed a record 1.1 million international students arriving from all over the world to study in the States. The "Open Doors Report", a name now sounding quite ironic, shows that international students contributed over US$50 billion to the US economy, supporting academic institutions and surrounding communities.

International students, with their diverse cultures and backgrounds, enrich local communities and campuses with unique perspectives and experiences. But now they are perceived as threats or dangers, rather than the talents that help expand the academic horizons of the US. The government not only revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, but also froze more than US$3 billion in federal funds and contracts granted to the institution.

Alan M. Garber, Harvard’s president, lashed out at the decision, stating, "This unlawful and unwarranted action imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams."

Visa canceled

To young scholars looking to pursue tertiary education in the United States, the State Department’s revocation of student visa interviews and visas of Chinese students studying in "critical fields" only multiplied fears. The US side explained that the rationale of the decision is to prepare for an expansion of compulsory social media screening and vetting. Many expressed concerns online that this move may violate human rights and privacy.

The recent news undoubtedly sent shock waves of uncertainty through households around the world. For many, the decision to study overseas is not taken lightly. Students and their families make considerable investments, and significant sacrifices. The journey to Harvard or other prestigious universities is not only an academic one, but also a journey toward the chance of building a career in a globalized world.

Students in limbo

Some have criticized that the US’ shocking decision to ban international students and freeze funding, viewing it as a betrayal, not only of students but of the very principles that America has long claimed to stand for: equality, freedom and democracy.

The US has greatly benefited from international students, who often represent the best of their home countries. More than half of the top US tech companies, with a combined market valuation of about US$3 trillion, were founded by immigrants or their children. However, this success is now overshadowed by uncertainty and fear. The very students who contribute to enriching classroom discussions and promoting global understanding are now being told they are unwelcome.

Ultimately, this policy goes beyond international students, but is also about a matter of the soul of America itself. Are we returning to the era of McCarthyism?

The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN etc. 

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