Funding Cuts and Visa Restrictions Leave Harvard’s Indian Students in Limbo

Trump Administration's Actions Create Instability for International Students at Harvard

Indian students at Harvard have expressed deep concerns over the growing uncertainty and anxiety surrounding their academic and professional futures. Many have attributed this unease to ongoing policy changes and heightened tensions between the Trump administration and the university, which have contributed to an atmosphere of instability on campus. With evolving immigration rules and funding cuts, students are increasingly apprehensive about how these developments will shape their academic careers and employment prospects.

A recent graduate from the Harvard Kennedy School shared their uncertainty about whether to return to India or remain in the U.S., citing limited job opportunities as a key concern. Similarly, other students have highlighted the stress caused by policy unpredictability, particularly concerning visa regulations and employment stability. The Trump administration’s decisions, including the freezing of $2.2 billion in grants, revoking Harvard’s ability to enrol international students, and suspending foreign student entry—have further compounded these difficulties.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe campus environment, alleging that it has allowed anti-American agitators to intimidate students, including Jewish peers. President Trump has also claimed that Harvard had refused DHS requests for information on foreign students allegedly involved in unlawful or threatening activities. For many international students, the uncertainty has been overwhelming. A student from the Harvard Graduate School of Design shared that studying and gaining work experience in the U.S. had long been a key aspiration for international scholars, yet recent months had felt like a rollercoaster due to policy shifts. She observed that employers are now increasingly reluctant to hire international graduates, with the Harvard name no longer carrying the same weight it once did.

Echoing similar concerns, a Kennedy School student described a desperate job search, noting that employers were hesitant to hire international students due to unstable visa regulations. Despite holding a prestigious Harvard degree, she remained uncertain about whether to stay in the U.S., return to India, or relocate elsewhere. The high cost of living in the U.S. has further exacerbated these challenges. According to a Harvard Design School student, the financial pressures of studying in the U.S. have made the instability particularly difficult, with many students reassessing their plans. While she hoped for improvements, she admitted that making long-term plans had become increasingly challenging.

Moreover, students have pointed out that funding cuts under the Trump administration have negatively impacted job prospects in critical fields, including public policy, climate change, healthcare, and public health. The revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification, which prevents the university from enrolling new international students and jeopardises the legal status of those currently enrolled, was particularly alarming for graduating students. The announcement came just after their final presentations, leaving them stunned and uncertain about their immediate future. Despite these difficulties, some students have sought to remain optimistic, arguing that institutions such as Harvard have shaped them into global citizens. Although opportunities in the U.S. appear to be shrinking, many graduates are exploring alternative paths abroad. Several Indian students noted that while they had originally intended to return to India, they had hoped to first gain work experience in the U.S. to begin repaying their substantial student loans.

A Kennedy School graduate observed that rapid policy changes had forced students to build resilience, adjusting quickly as new developments unfolded. Additionally, some of the Trump administration’s measures have been challenged in court, offering a degree of hope for affected students. The daily struggles faced by international students, particularly regarding employment and future planning, remain a significant concern. One student revealed that some of his classmates were dropped from job processes at the final stage when employers discovered they were Harvard graduates, fearing potential visa complications. Consequently, a growing number of students have opted to return to India, citing uncertainty, separation from family, and the emotional toll of remaining in the U.S. as factors influencing their decision.

Media reports indicate that the U.S. State Department has instructed consulates to resume processing visas for incoming Harvard students. However, students have noted that the broader environment remains unpredictable, with a signalling effect discouraging employers and students alike from pursuing opportunities in the U.S. As a result, some Indian students set to begin their studies at Harvard are rethinking their plans, weighing the high opportunity costs and the ongoing unpredictability of studying in the U.S. Several have considered alternative universities in Europe, fearing they could lose scholarships if they defer their enrollment.

Data from the Harvard International Office indicates that 788 Indian students and scholars were enrolled across Harvard’s schools in the 2024–25 academic year. Typically, the university hosts between 500 and 800 Indian scholars annually, forming part of a larger international community exceeding 10,000 students. While the appeal of the “American Dream” appears to have diminished due to recent developments, many students take comfort in the strong support offered by Harvard’s administration. Additionally, the solidarity shown by domestic students during this challenging period has provided much-needed encouragement. Amid uncertainty and shifting policies, international students at Harvard continue to navigate complex challenges, striving to adapt while holding onto hope for a more stable and supportive future.

Editor’s Note

The growing uncertainty faced by Indian students at Harvard highlights the wider instability surrounding U.S. immigration policies and higher education governance. The Trump administration’s funding cuts, visa restrictions, and revocation of Harvard’s ability to enrol international students have created a climate of anxiety, where students are unsure about their academic futures and job prospects. What was once a pathway to opportunity is now filled with uncertainty, forcing many students to reconsider their long-term plans. Employers are increasingly hesitant to hire international graduates, and the prestige of a Harvard degree no longer guarantees stability. While Harvard has voiced strong support for its international students, the situation remains deeply unsettling. Many students feel they are caught between shifting policies and unclear prospects, particularly those relying on U.S. work experience to repay substantial student loans. Some have already returned to India, unable to justify the sacrifices demanded by an increasingly unpredictable environment. If these trends continue, the appeal of U.S. higher education may weaken, with talented individuals seeking alternative destinations for their studies and careers.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that the uncertainty must be addressed, or the long-standing reputation of American universities as global centres for education and innovation could suffer lasting consequences.