A Policy That Shuts the Door to the Future—or a Sign of Change? Harvard’s International Student Crisis and Its Impact on the Youth
“My efforts might go to waste.” Such voices are being heard from bright young minds around the world. Harvard University—one of the most prestigious institutions globally—is now at the center of controversy due to a decision by the former Trump administration to revoke its certification to accept international students. This move, which shakes the very foundation of international education, raises serious questions about human rights, educational policy, and the future of global talent.
■ “All That Hard Work May Be for Nothing”—Voices of Fear and Frustration
Harvard University currently hosts around 260 Japanese students and researchers. One of them, a 20-year-old student from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Engineering, who had planned to study quantum computing at Harvard for a year, shared his anxiety: “If the study abroad program is canceled, everything I’ve worked for will be meaningless.”
The announcement immediately triggered panic among students, with group chats filled with worry. If they lose their student status, they will have to leave the U.S. Some fear they may not even be allowed to re-enter the country if they return home. Others are concerned about being deported for minor offenses like traffic violations or having their personal data secretly accessed from their phones. These are fears one would never expect to have while studying in a nation once regarded as the beacon of freedom.
■ A University Caught Off Guard
What’s worse is that Harvard University has yet to provide a clear policy on how it plans to address this issue. “There’s no information. Everyone is confused and wondering if they’ll even be able to graduate,” said one graduate student.
In the U.S., if a student loses their enrollment, their visa status is also revoked. Normally, the grace period to remain in the country is only one to two weeks. While transferring to another institution may be an option, the timing is tight—most American universities are on summer break from June. As a result, many may be forced to return home without any viable alternatives.
■ Japan’s Response—University of Tokyo Offers Temporary Shelter
In response to the crisis, the University of Tokyo has stepped forward. On May 23, it announced plans to temporarily accept affected international students, including Japanese students who can no longer study at Harvard. They would be permitted to audit classes and, if they return to Harvard, have their credits recognized.
This framework builds upon a previous initiative in 2022, when the University of Tokyo accepted Ukrainian students and researchers fleeing Russia’s invasion. Kaori Hayashi, executive vice president of the university, stated, “We want to support talented and motivated young people so they can continue their learning.”
■ “This Is a Violation of Human Rights”—Alumni Speak Out
Patrick Harlan, a Harvard graduate and well-known entertainer in Japan, did not hide his anger: “This is a violation of human rights against international students. If such measures are allowed, it may discourage talented people from studying in the U.S., resulting in a loss not just for America but for the entire world.”
Studying abroad is about much more than academics. It’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, collaborative research, and building lifelong international connections. To strip that away without warning is a blow not just to individuals but to the future of international cooperation.
■ Is the U.S. Losing Its Status as an Education Superpower?
These unstable policies may ultimately erode the appeal of studying in the U.S. Professor Sachihiko Kondo of Osaka University warns that if the risk of losing one’s visa remains high, students may increasingly choose countries like Canada, the U.K., or Australia. America’s reputation as a top global education destination may be at stake.
■ What Can Be Done for the Future?
Politics will always be in flux, but education and the futures of young people should never be sacrificed for short-term political interests. This situation highlights just how deeply government policy can affect individual lives and global collaboration.
Moving forward, collaboration among universities, governments, and private sectors is essential to ensure that learning is never interrupted—no matter the political climate. Japan, too, may have a role to play as a new “hub of learning” that embraces global talent.
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When brilliant minds are forced to abandon their studies, we don’t just lose individuals—we lose potential. Education must remain a sanctuary, free from the volatility of politics. That is how we safeguard our collective future.
🌾 物価高の中で感じる“支える力”と“未来への課題”
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