The Trump administration’s policies aiming at prominent institutions like Harvard University pose significant concerns for current and future international students in the United States.
This shift could lead to a considerable decline in the population of brilliant young minds from across the globe, adversely affecting cities like Boston, which traditionally benefit from this influx.
For many foreign admirers of America, these developments are particularly disheartening.
International students contribute more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy each year.
Their impact extends beyond financial contributions; international students have established one out of every four unicorn startups in the country.
Notable tech leaders such as the CEOs of Google, Microsoft, and Moderna all began their journeys in the United States as international students.
Even figures like Elon Musk first arrived in the country on a student visa, highlighting how vital this demographic is to America’s innovation landscape.
The U.S. university system also serves as a powerful asset for international diplomacy, drawing the brightest talents from around the world and fostering positive relationships.
Contrarily, many students are beginning to shy away from studying in America due to the sense of uncertainty and potential risks associated with recent government actions.
The author of the piece, having developed a love for America from a young age, recalls attending kindergarten in the U.S. while their father pursued studies at Duke University.
This early connection was further deepened through experiences at Princeton University, where influential discussions emphasized the significant sacrifices made by America to uphold its democratic ideals during the Civil War.
During a summer abroad in France, the author even insisted that friends celebrate the Fourth of July, showcasing their strong attachment to American culture.
Despite acknowledging its contradictions, the author has remained a relentless defender of America, often highlighting its historical and contemporary contributions to the global community.
From the Declaration of Independence to groundbreaking inventions like the light bulb and the internet, America’s innovations have reshaped the world.
Many of these advancements can be traced back to research conducted within its universities.
The unique American ethos—valuing experimentation, along with nurturing political and economic frameworks—has allowed individuals to flourish and innovate.
In contrast, in places like Denmark, the culture is less focused on individual achievement, as depicted in a classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, where a young duckling finds refuge among swans.
For many international students, studying in America represents an opportunity to ‘fly with the swans,’ gaining acceptance in a landscape that celebrates individual talents.
When troubling news first broke while the author was completing their semester at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, uncertainty flooded the campus.
Students worried about their futures and questioned whether they would graduate as planned.
Moving forward, many potential international students may consider the U.S. as a less viable option, given the precariousness of their legal status and the potential for abrupt governmental changes affecting their university’s ability to enroll them.
This unpredictability could also dissuade scholarship funders from supporting international candidates, as evidenced by a Norwegian foundation’s recent decision to ask a Harvard student to return home following governmental announcements surrounding student visa policies.
This wave of anxiety extends beyond just a single institution; any university could find itself in a similar predicament.
Despite the challenges ahead, there remains hope that America will rediscover its commitment to valuing knowledge and the democratic principles that have attracted global talent historically.
However, for now, those ideals seem overshadowed by the tumultuous political climate.
The potential long-term impact on the country’s appeal to international talent could last for years, if not decades.
Ultimately, while America is still viewed as a ‘shining city on a hill,’ the flames of uncertainty and fear are threatening its illustrious reputation.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/01/opinion/harvard-trump-international-students-lose-talent/
