Five years into his doctoral studies, Sudipta Saha from Harvard University in Canada found himself grappling with the Trump administration’s directive for foreign students to either transfer or leave the country.
Moving away last year before completing his program seemed nearly impossible, and although Harvard has taken legal action against the administration, Saha expresses that the situation lacks clarity.
This troubling scenario casts a shadow over a significant portion of Harvard’s international student body, as many worry the president won’t back down easily.
“Thinking about finishing my PhD after all the effort I’ve put in, including research, teaching, and being a research assistant, only to see it potentially go to waste—it’s just disheartening,” Saha shared.
Response from the Trump administration seems focused on targeting Harvard for standing against certain demands, with the White House aiming federal funds at the institution and initiating various investigations.
Perhaps the most impactful move comes from the Department of Homeland Security, which has attempted to hinder Harvard’s enrollment of foreign students.
“As I’m nearing the end of my PhD, transferring feels incredibly complex,” Saha stated, emphasizing his specialty in social epidemiology and infectious diseases.
For undergraduates, transfers can mean finding new advisors, meeting new criteria, and securing research funding—considerably complicated for PhD students.
“I’m not even sure if transferring is an option for me,” Saha admitted.
Following Harvard’s lawsuit against the international student ban, the university’s president, Alan Gerber, publicly criticized the action, calling it “illegal and unfair.”
The government’s response appears linked to Harvard’s commitment to academic independence, resisting federal control over its curriculum and student organizations.
Yet, safety at another institution might be just an illusion, as the Trump administration indicated other universities could face similar challenges.
Earlier this year, many students lost their positions when the federal government targeted the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks foreign students’ status.
In a conversation, another international doctoral student from Europe commented anonymously on this issue.
Both students expressed the need for Harvard to bolster support for international scholars on campus, noting that many are left to rely on media reports or legal documents for critical updates rather than clear directives from the administration.
Saha noted his surprise upon learning that some Harvard visa holders were reportedly undergoing extra checks at airports.
“I’m planning to visit family in July for a short holiday,” the anonymous European student explained. “But when I booked my ticket, I chose an option that’s exchangeable and refundable. Things feel so unpredictable. I might have to cancel the trip.”
“If I sense any uncertainty about getting back to the U.S., I would definitely reconsider my plans,” they added.
Students expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the administration’s various maneuvers against foreign students, and the potential outcomes if the federal government succeeds.
“When I speak with university staff, they ask about plans for international students if things go south, but there’s no clear guidance. I’m left with uncertainty about all the potential paths this situation could take and how the university intends to respond,” Saha noted.
Harvard has communicated efforts to keep international students informed through updated websites, aiming to provide relevant information about the administration’s actions. However, the sites don’t answer pressing questions, like what would happen if the Trump administration prevails in court.
“There are indications from the Trump administration that, even with court blocks in place, they might seek other ways to scrutinize international students at Harvard, and that’s a source of concern,” Saha remarked.
