UK Harvard Students Cower in Fear: 'We Are Absolutely Terrified' Under Trump's Reign

Following years of dedication and intense study to gain admission to one of the globe’s most esteemed institutions, Alfred Williamson recounted how "it took just a matter of minutes for that dream to crumble."

The first-year undergraduate, aged 20, studying physics at Harvard University, shared that The i Paper He was in a condition of "complete disbelief" when Donald Trump tried to block the college from enrolling foreign students .

Williamson mentioned that he along with other British students at the Ivy League school are now “absolutely terrified”.

"People are hesitant to voice their opinions or share what they think in a nation founded on the concept of liberty," he said additionally.

A British female student studying at the university , who spoke to The i Paper Amid concerns about maintaining confidentiality for fear of losing her US visa, an individual referenced accounts of 12 individuals associated with Harvard facingvisa revocation.

"There is significant apprehension amongst international students regarding voicing their concerns. They worry that expressing any dissent towards the Trump administration could lead to having their visas rescinded," she stated.

She added that a demonstration held by international students to protest Trump’s attacks on various colleges was only attended by a few dozen people at Harvard. “Not because there was no support,” she said, “but because people feel powerless.

“Will students who get their photo taken be permitted to return to campus afterward?”

A British doctoral candidate, who wished to stay unnamed, mentioned that Harvard cautioned international scholars about sharing anti-Trump material on social media platforms or campus discussion boards. "As an international scholar right now, I am feeling rather bewildered," they stated.

Even though a federal judge has halted the US President’s attempt to end Harvard’s acceptance of international students, Williamson expressed his ongoing concern for their "uncertain position."

“What made things unsettling wasn’t really Trump’s comment itself,” he clarified. “It’s the ambiguity that has everyone on edge, causing students to explore alternative universities, consult with their embassies, and reach out to their advisors.”

We're still scared of passing through border control.

The British doctoral candidate referred to the judge's decision as a "win for the media," yet noted that international Harvard students are now dealing with a considerably murkier scenario.

We find ourselves in uncertainty, and I am concerned about the students needing to extend their visas... I prefer having a clear response one way or another instead of being unclear about what lies ahead.

Williamson highlighted just how "un-American" Trump's assaults on higher education have appeared.

I genuinely thought of America as embodying the concept of free speech," he stated. "The fact that I'm hesitant to express my opinions speaks volumes about the state of American democracy.

“Australia is meant to be a nation built by migrants where individuals can exchange thoughts. It makes me feel quite sorrowful,” expressed an additional UK student.

Trump and his supporters argue that Harvard, together with many other institutions, serves as a hub for anti-Semitism and ideological brainwashing.

On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Harvard University had fostered an unsafe campus atmosphere by permitting "anti-American, pro-terrorist instigators" to attack Jewish students at the institution.

Without providing any proof, it similarly alleged that the college was working alongside the Chinese Communist Party, claiming that it had accommodated and instructed members of a Chinese militia as late as 2024.

The U.S. Department of Education announced it would withhold $2.2 billion in federal funding from the prestigious institution following the university’s refusal to implement alterations to its recruitment, enrollment, and educational methods as requested by the White House.

Even though Harvard is at the forefront of Trump’s assault on higher education, six additional universities have been targeted for reduced funding as punishment.

In a missive viewed by The i Paper On Friday, Harvard’s president informed international students that Trump’s move was his method of "striking back at Harvard because we refused to compromise our academic freedom."

“The letter continued, ‘We strongly denounce this unjustified and illegal move,’ adding, ‘This jeopardizes the prospects for thousands of students and academics at Harvard and sends a cautionary signal to many more in higher education.’”

In a legal case initiated by the Ivy League institution, it stated: "Harvard ceases to be Harvard without its international students."

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Being the United States' oldest institution of higher learning, it enrolls nearly 6,800 international students at its premises located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The university stated that Trump's choice puts them at a disadvantage when vying for the globe's best students.

Williamson stated that if he can't go back to Harvard after the summer break, he questions whether he'll continue his studies in the US altogether: "I wouldn't feel secure returning to America; I wouldn't feel safeguarded."

Other British students concurred, worried they might have to go through being transplanted once more.

Regarding why Williamson chose to go against the counsel of his friends and relatives and stand up against Trump, he mentioned that the dread of remorse for not speaking out would outweigh the anxiety induced by potential swift repercussions.

I have mates from Pakistan and Palestine who aren't afraid to speak up," Williamson stated. "If I hadn't, I'd carry a great deal of remorse. If they can do it, why shouldn't I?