Determined Singaporean Students Overcome Anxiety as They Pursue Harvard Dreams

SINGAPORE – Students from Singapore still plan to attend Harvard University despite concerns about a visa ban issued by US President Donald Trump. Many are still waiting for their visa approvals but are holding on to their offers.

Welly Tantono, president of the Harvard Club of Singapore, mentioned that none of the students have turned down their spots yet. On June 14, the club held a pre-departure meeting for over ten students who are about to start their academic journey.

Out of these students, about half have yet to obtain their visas. The local US embassy has seen some visa appointments canceled, making it tough to secure new ones.

The gathering aimed to reassure the students amid this uncertainty. Although usually a celebration, it carried a different tone this time, addressing “Navigating Your Next Steps Amid Uncertainty.” Students sought guidance and support from alumni and immigration experts who were present to discuss visa and immigration issues.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan noted that the embassy is in talks with US authorities to clarify potential delays in visa processing for students. The government is also exploring solutions for students who might not be able to study in the US as planned.

The fall semester at Harvard is set to begin in late August. Incoming students will arrive a week earlier for placement tests and to settle into campus life. Ms. Tantono stated that Harvard is keeping international students informed about the situation, acknowledging the anxiety many are feeling.

Trump’s administration has affected higher education in various ways, claiming some private schools enable anti-Semitism and promote “radical left” ideologies. In April, his administration froze nearly US$3 billion of Harvard’s federal funding and sought to terminate the university’s ability to enroll foreign students. A US District Judge later intervened to halt these plans temporarily.

This ongoing situation highlights a significant shift in US policy regarding international students. According to recent statistics, nearly 6,800 international students attend Harvard, making up about one-third of its student body. These numbers underscore the importance of foreign students to American universities and their academic landscape.

As the landscape of education continues to shift, students are adapting, and communities are rallying to support them. The experiences shared in forums and social media reflect the resilience and determination of these students as they navigate their journey to Harvard amidst these challenging times.

For more details on visa policies, you can refer to the official statements from the [U.S. Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html).

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