US Halts Harvard International Student Visas Amid 'America First' Policy

The U.S. government under the Trump administration has taken a stringent stance on international students, particularly from China, by enhancing visa scrutiny and temporarily halting new visa interviews for prospective international students due to concerns over national security and social media vetting. This includes cancelling Harvard's authorization to enroll international students, sparking debate about the role of elite American universities and their admission of a high percentage of foreign students despite the availability of qualified American applicants. The Department of Homeland Security's decision to restrict visas for foreign students at Harvard has been legally challenged but highlights broader tensions about prioritizing American interests in higher education. While some view these policies as necessary for national security and protecting American students' opportunities, others argue that universities serve a global mission of knowledge and truth-seeking that transcends borders. At the same time, admission to top universities remains extremely competitive, with international students sharing insights on the rigorous academic and extracurricular criteria needed to gain acceptance. The evolving visa policies and increased scrutiny are expected to impact the international student population and the traditional openness of U.S. universities to global talent.