Harvard International Students and Others Targeted by Trump Administration!

I shared a story on another platform recently, concerning the issue of education and higher learning, as it applies to what's going on in the political arena, thanks to the backwards Trump Administration.

What I had to say, was how I find it really disturbing and a bit baffling, that once again, I had to wake up to news about how this Administration seems to have a vendetta out on education.

My last story on the topic of “the future of education”, actually got less reads than a story I wrote about “exercising before going to bed.

WTF people?

I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for doing whatever you can, to keep your body healthy, especially at the tender young age of 67 like me. 😄

But personally, I think it’s a crying shame, when our entire way of living and continued growth to becoming valuable members of society, is now constantly under attack.

International Students Under Fire

Education has managed to serve as the foundation of most civilized cultures, even when we believe different things, and happen to teach our young people a different way of life.

Formal education and schooling is an important aspect of American culture in general, but the ability to attend a university of higher learning is a privilege that has also been extended to those in the international community as well.

The doors have traditionally been open to those who have a thirst for knowledge, even if they come from different countries.

I’m confused and more than a little upset, about what’s happening in recent days, on the campus of Harvard University. This is a place that has been said to be like a beacon for the best and brightest students across the globe.

Whether or not I believe that’s an accurate description is not the point of this story. I’m just disturbed by the way the Trump Administration appears to be performing a chilling crackdown that is threatening academic freedom, and potentially, the opportunity for more innovation in America.

The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly introduced new administrative roadblocks that clearly disproportionately affect non-citizen students.

Everything from confusing visa policy changes to increased scrutiny under the guise of the “national interest” clause, which helps to act as a gatekeeper and block entrance.

International students — some who already face cultural, financial, and emotional challenges, are now being treated like political pawns instead of future pioneers of the world.

This infuriates me, and makes me so sick and tired of seeing politicians stepping in and sticking their noses where they don’t belong.

Final Thoughts

Personally, the whole thing makes no sense to me, when according to statistics, international students contribute over $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

The NAFSA: Association of International Educators website stated that during the 2023–2024 academic year, U.S. colleges and universities benefited from International students and their $43.8 billion contribution to the U.S. economy, including their support of more than 378,000 jobs.

The organization had this to say about the value of these higher learners:

“International education is the cornerstone for building a more understanding and peaceful world. NAFSA serves the needs of more than 11,000 members and international educators worldwide and is the leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s interconnected world.”

These human assets help enrich classrooms and expand worldviews, and oftentimes, they even remain here and contribute in really key fields such as technology, medicine, and entrepreneurship.

In spite of all this value to the U.S., the Trump administration is hellbent on destroying that pipeline, and why?

International students aren’t threats. They are allies. Like so many other creative and imaginative minds in the world, they are innovators. They are merely dreamers like so many of us, who see the United States as a place where they can come and grow and expand their knowledge.

They hope just like us, that all their effort and hard work, coupled with their intellect, will eventually pave the way to a better life. Sad to say, more and more each day, thanks to the current Administration, that dream is being suffocated and snuffed out.

Is this really the America we want to be people?

As a former librarian and educator myself, I’m one concerned citizen that will continue to speak out on behalf of education and people’s right to have access to it — even when just a few people seem to be listening.

Thanks for reading…