Trump: Still hopes international students continue studying in the U.S., but not those who cause trouble.

Trump: Still hopes international students continue studying in the U.S., but not those who cause trouble.

The Trump administration has announced new visa policies that could significantly impact international students planning to study in the United States. The changes come amid ongoing tensions between the administration and elite universities, particularly regarding alleged antisemitism and discriminatory admissions policies.

Harvard University and International Students

On Tuesday, Harvard University students held a protest in support of international students, highlighting the growing uncertainty surrounding their visa status. The Trump administration has ordered embassies to stop scheduling appointments for student visas, as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants [1].

The pause is expected to last until further guidance is issued, affecting thousands of students who rely on US universities for their education. Harvard University, which has been a focal point of the administration's ire, has seen its ability to enroll international students temporarily revoked by a federal judge [1].

Chinese Students Under Scrutiny

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the US will "aggressively revoke" the visas of Chinese students studying in the country. The move targets students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields [2]. This comes as part of a broader crackdown on foreign students, which has left many students scrambling and uncertain about their academic futures.

Impact on International Students

The new policies have sparked panic among international students, with many expressing concern over potential delays in visa processing. Students have reported difficulties scheduling interviews and reaching embassy officials. The changes have left many students scrambling to secure scholarships, housing, and to start classes on time [3].

Reaction and Uncertainty

The Trump administration has maintained that the changes are necessary to ensure national security and combat antisemitism on campuses. However, many universities and students have accused the administration of infringing upon free speech rights and creating uncertainty for international students.

The long-term impact of these policies remains uncertain, with many students and universities expressing concern over the potential loss of funding and the disruption of academic plans. The Trump administration has yet to provide clear guidance on how the new policies will be implemented or what criteria will be used for social media vetting.

References:
1. [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy75eenl46eo
2. [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/28/marco-rubio-says-us-will-begin-revoking-visas-of-chinese-students
3. [3] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/30/trump-international-students-visas