“I think the Chinese community definitely feels like a more targeted entity compared to other groups.” – Zhang
Chinese students at Harvard University faced uncertainty Friday following a U.S. government order blocking the institution from enrolling foreign students. The Trump administration accused Harvard of collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), effectively barring new international enrollments and jeopardizing the status of current foreign students.
Harvard condemned the move as “unlawful,” reaffirming its commitment to educating international students. Chinese nationals make up about one-fifth of Harvard’s international body, the largest foreign demographic.
Zhang, a 24-year-old Chinese PhD student, described growing anxiety: “I think the Chinese community definitely feels like a more targeted entity compared to other groups.” He also noted concerns over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
Teresa, a Chinese postgraduate at Harvard Kennedy School, said, “Our teachers have sent us an email saying the school is actively working hard on a response within the next 72 hours and aims to negotiate with the government.”