“Harvard University Advises International Students: Avoid These US Airports and Choose This Alternative for a Smooth Arrival” – The Times of India

Harvard University recently shared travel advice with international students. They recommended avoiding Boston’s Logan International Airport due to heightened scrutiny there. Instead, students might want to consider entering the U.S. through airports like New York’s JFK, Chicago O’Hare, or Los Angeles International.

This guidance arose amid legal challenges faced by Harvard regarding the enrollment of foreign students. A preliminary court ruling blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict this enrollment. During a private call, representatives from Harvard’s international office highlighted potential immigration issues and emphasized the need to be cautious about social media and electronic devices while traveling.

Officials from the U.S. State Department can review social media accounts as part of the visa process. Customs and Border Protection can inspect devices and may deny entry based on their findings. Posts that are perceived as “pro-Palestinian, antisemitic, or derogatory of the U.S.” could attract unwanted attention, according to Harvard staff. Context matters; even minor past offenses can raise red flags. Interestingly, wiping a device of its data before travel might also be seen with suspicion.

Additional caution is advised for students from Iran and China. Jason Corral, a staff attorney at Harvard, specifically noted that Iranian students have faced heightened scrutiny at Logan Airport. While there’s no definitive evidence suggesting that one airport is safer than another, JFK and other major airports might present fewer challenges.

This advice reflects growing tensions between Harvard and the federal government concerning immigration policies and funding. The administration’s critiques have included concerns about diversity initiatives and alleged biases in higher education, leading to a significant loss of over $2.6 billion in federal research funding.

According to a recent survey by the Institute for International Education, U.S. universities are seeing a slight decline in international enrollments, down 1.8% in the last academic year. This illustrates a broader trend where international students face more obstacles when pursuing education in the U.S.

Social media reactions are mixed, with students sharing their concerns about the implications of this advice on their travel plans and the impact on their academic pursuits. Many are expressing dissatisfaction with the unpredictability of the immigration process.

As international students navigate these challenges, staying informed and exercising caution can make a difference. It’s essential to understand the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration and travel policies, especially in higher education institutions like Harvard. For more insights on this topic and current trends in international education, you can check the Institute of International Education.

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