Calden in Harvard: Student fights against uncertainty under Trump

Calden in Harvard: Student fights against uncertainty under Trump

Hofgeismar, Deutschland - Medical student Rosalie Wolff from Calden has been living in the middle of a stormy wind at Harvard University in Massachusett since November 2024. It is a research scholarship here, but the political Situation causes a lot of unrest among international students. Again and again the elite university is put into the line of fire because of its attitude towards anti-Semitism and supposed left-liberalization by US President Donald Trump. The President has announced that they want to review Visa of foreign students and possibly abolish what concerns and uncertainties.

WOLFF reports on the stressful atmosphere in Harvard, where around 6,800 international students are currently enrolled, which accounts for about 27 percent of the total number. The fears for designation are increasing, and many students even refrain from domestic flights so as not to be controlled. "Even harmless content on smartphones could lead to profound controls and possible designations," she explains.

uncertain times for international students

In this tense situation, however, a strong community has formed among the students. They support each other and feel protected by the university, although many, like a friend of Wolff, gave up their places. Although this time is exciting for Wolff, the shade of the shade of uncertainty floats over her future: "The political situation makes me doubt whether I have a professional future in the United States," she says. She is already thinking about returning to Germany earlier and is unsure about a new visa for her license to practice

The pressure on Harvard itself grows because the Trump government has issued a ban on international students, but this has been suspended for the time being. This was stopped by a US court that classified the government attempt as illegal. Harvard University has sued this decision and argues that the Trump government's move is a "retaliation act" and limits the freedom of science. Critics of these measures agree that they endanger cooperation and exchange in science.

votes of the students concerned

among those affected is also Noah Plattner, a 21-year-old business student from Austria. He reports that many international students, including himself, suffer from uncertainty as to whether they can return to the United States in good time. "The loss of these students would meet Harvard strongly," he points out. Anthony Striker, a molecular biology student, also follows the developments and finds that Harvard remains an important international meeting point, even if the situation is tense.

The Federal Minister of Research and leading voices from Germany sharply criticize the policy of the Trump government and warn of the consequences of freedom of science. Walter Rosenthal, President of the University Rectors 'Conference, as well as Bettina Martin, President of the Science Ministers' Conference, commented concerns about the potential restrictions for research and intercultural exchange.

In the heat of the event, the students find paths in Harvard, to hold together, even if the situation is anything but calming. "We stick together in difficult times," Wolff summarizes the mood among the international students.