Introduction
More than 2,000 Jewish students study at Harvard University, including a significant number of international students. Recent moves by the Trump administration to restrict student visas at elite institutions have left many foreign Jewish students, like PhD candidate Genia Lukin, feeling caught between two conflicts — the turmoil they left behind in their home countries and a new uncertainty in the United States.
Trump’s Visa Restrictions Stir Fear Among International Students
Last week, the Trump administration attempted to strip Harvard of its authority to enroll international students, citing concerns about antisemitism and political bias. Although a federal judge has temporarily blocked this move, the decision has already generated significant anxiety on campus, especially among students who worry about being forced to leave the U.S. before completing their studies.
You can read the original report on the BBC News website.
The Impact on Jewish Students Like Genia Lukin
Genia, a 41-year-old psychology PhD student from Israel, explains her dilemma: “I thought when I left Israel I was leaving a conflict zone… but now I feel I’ve entered another one.” Her research focuses on language acquisition in blind infants, yet she fears being sent back amidst political upheaval. “The hostility on campus has been intense,” she shares, citing experiences where her heritage and sacred texts have been questioned.
Harvard’s Response and Legal Fight
Harvard University’s president, Alan Garber, insists the institution has taken major steps to combat all forms of hatred, including antisemitism. He warns that the Trump administration’s measures will harm not only Harvard but the broader American research landscape, as many government-funded projects are conducted there. Harvard now has 30 days to prove it meets international enrollment requirements amid ongoing legal challenges.
Voices from the Harvard Community
Nitsan Machlis, a graduating student, expressed pride in Harvard’s resilience, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to academic freedom despite pressure from the administration. Meanwhile, an anonymous Israeli research fellow notes that addressing campus culture and antisemitism is a long-term challenge, reflecting broader societal issues rather than isolated university problems.
Students and scholars can refer to U.S. student visa requirements for updates and legal guidelines on international study programs.
Expert Opinion: Politics Behind the Visa Crackdown
Harvard Professor Steven Levitsky, an expert on authoritarianism, interprets the administration’s attack as a political move to control elite education rather than a genuine response to antisemitism. “Harvard is the biggest fish,” he says. “If they bully Harvard into submission, no other university will resist.” Levitsky also points out the irony, noting that antisemitism at Harvard is minimal based on his decades-long experience.
Conclusion
The ongoing visa conflict places Harvard’s international Jewish students at the heart of a complex political struggle with far-reaching consequences. While legal battles continue, many students are already reconsidering their futures, with some planning to pursue academic careers outside the United States. This turmoil highlights the intersection of immigration policy, education, and minority rights in a deeply polarized political environment.