Kathrine Frich
The shock decision has triggered panic among hundreds of international students.
The shock decision has triggered panic among hundreds of international students.
Chinese Students Scramble After Trump’s Visa Ban
Chinese students at Harvard University are cancelling flights, seeking legal help, and going into hiding following Donald Trump’s unprecedented move to block the elite institution from enrolling any foreign students.
The shock decision has triggered panic among hundreds of international students who now face the possibility of deportation or disrupted academic futures.
Fear Ripples Through Campus
On Friday, students cancelled flights back to China and joined emergency WhatsApp groups to share legal advice.
“I was packed and ready to fly,” said Kaiqi Zhang, a public health student, “but I cancelled everything. I lost my summer internship. At first, I thought it was fake news.”
Don’t Leave, Don’t Fly, Wait for Harvard’s Word
Some students were reportedly advised not to travel domestically or internationally. One shared a transcript from a legal chat group, where an immigration attorney warned:
“Don’t leave your housing. Avoid airports. Wait for the university’s official guidance.”
The sense of vulnerability is widespread, especially among those on visa-dependent research roles.
“We’re the Ones Being Watched”
“There’s definitely more fear among the Chinese community,” said Zhang, a 24-year-old PhD student.
He added that friends urged him to find temporary shelter. “They think ICE agents could show up at our apartments,” he said.
Chinese nationals made up the largest international group at Harvard in 2024, accounting for one in five foreign students.
“This Harms America’s Global Image”
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the ban, calling it “damaging to the U.S.’s international credibility.” T
he move has reignited diplomatic tensions and raised concerns about educational freedom and xenophobia in U.S. policymaking.
“We will firmly protect the rights of our students abroad,” a spokesperson said.
Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore Step In as Alternatives
As U.S. policies grow more hostile, other countries are stepping up.
On Friday, Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology offered “unconditional offers and academic support” for displaced students.
Educational consultants say this may push more Chinese families toward countries like Australia or Singapore for English-language education.
“My Life Plans Are Shattered”
For students like 23-year-old Zhao, the decision may mean delaying or entirely changing her future.
“I was supposed to apply for my visa in June,” she said. “Now I don’t even know if I can go.”
Like many others, she’s considering a gap year or switching to another university, if one will take her. “This has turned my whole life upside down.”