Students bound for Harvard University from Taiwan expressing apprehension following US visa restrictions impeding their enrollment
Taiwanese student Yu-hsuan Lin had been eagerly anticipating starting her studies at Harvard University this September. However, the announcement by the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to limit Harvard's capacity to enroll foreign students cast a shadow on her dreams.
Lin, residing in Taipei, expressed her feelings of anxiety and helplessness to Reuters. "The journey towards my dream has turned out to be harder and more challenging than I anticipated. There are numerous uncertainties," she said.
Lin explained that although she was prepared to adapt to changes, this particular decision specifically targeting international students left her feeling affected.
The administration's decision represented a significant intensification of its campaign against Harvard, an elite Ivy League institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In response, Harvard characterised the move as a "blatant violation" of the U.S. Constitution and other federal laws.
A temporary injunction issued by a U.S. judge halted the administration's order, but it failed to quell Lin's concerns, as she hadn't yet secured her visa.
Should the situation persist, Lin expressed that she may defer her studies at Harvard or apply for master programs in Europe or the UK.
Taiwan's education ministry reported anticipating 52 Taiwanese students to be affected by the U.S. government's move, as per Taiwan's official Central News Agency.
Another Taiwanese student, who chose to be identified only as Vince, was planning to commence his studies in public health at Harvard this year. "We are indeed feeling quite nervous, and it has been a dream for me to travel from a small town in Taiwan all the way to Harvard," he said, imploring the U.S. president to continue the nation's support of international students.
Lin's concerns over the future of her education extend beyond general news, delving into the realm of education-and-self-development. Simultaneously, the political landscape is impacting her plans, as the decision by the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration directly affects her eligibility to study at Harvard University.
