In a shocking move by US President Donald Trump that has ignited global controversy, the hard-to-read president has put in place a visa ban affecting international students currently enrolled at Harvard University. While framed as a matter of national security, the decision has left over 7,000 international students scrambling for clarity, stability, and their futures.

According to Harvard’s own data, Tempo reported that the university currently hosts over 7,000 international students representing more than 150 countries. These students now find themselves in limbo, with their visa statuses under immediate review or already revoked.

Affected nations span the globe, from Taiwan to India, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia in Asia - each with its own response, yet united by concern for their students and outrage over the politicisation of education.

Asia responds

Taiwan

Reuters reports that Taiwanese students are feeling anxious and confused about whether they’ll be allowed to return for the autumn semester. Many had already secured housing or internships, only to find themselves in sudden limbo. “I feel like a pawn in a bigger geopolitical game,” one student said, reflecting growing unease over the politicisation of their education.

The Taiwanese government has yet to receive formal clarification from US authorities. In the meantime, students have been advised to stay in contact with their universities and embassies, though uncertainty remains high and concerns are mounting over the impact on academic plans.

India

India has been among the most outspoken nations in its reaction to the situation. Several Indian news platforms, including The New Indian Express and Business Standard, have reported increasing frustration from parents, academic advisers, and government officials. Students benefiting from scholarships now risk losing years of dedicated effort and essential career prospects. The Indian government in New Delhi has summoned representatives from the US embassy to seek an official briefing.

This restriction has ignited vigorous discussion within India’s educational and diplomatic sectors, raising fears that such actions could undermine the country’s long-established academic relationship with the United States. Institutions across India are preparing to provide guidance to students affected by this uncertainty, while some experts in education caution that the ban may discourage prospective students from applying to overseas programmes. At the same time, student groups are urging the government to offer stronger support and clear instructions to help navigate this exceptional disruption.

Japan

The Japanese government urged US colleges to “stand by internationalism” and uphold global academic exchange. Officials expressed concern that targeting Harvard’s international students could harm Japan-US educational and diplomatic ties. The Ministry of Education is reportedly coordinating with local universities to offer contingency support for affected students, including temporary placements and academic credit transfers.

Japanese media has echoed student anxieties. Asia News Network reported fears over abrupt visa cancellations and disrupted academic plans. Several students said they feel “caught in the crossfire” of US domestic politics. One student noted, “We’ve worked so hard to get here. To be told we might not be allowed in is devastating.” Some are now exploring alternatives in Canada, the UK, and Australia, hinting at a potential long-term shift in academic mobility.

Singapore

The tone in Singapore is one of quiet alarm and growing frustration. As a regional academic hub with close ties to US institutions, the ban has unsettled students and parents alike. The Straits Times reported that students are “confused and nervous,” while Channel News Asia confirmed several have already had their visas revoked. One student said, “We were told to wait for updates, but time is ticking and we’re scared of being left behind.”

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is in contact with US authorities and gathering data on affected students. Local universities like NUS and NTU have offered temporary placement for those unable to return to the US this autumn. While no formal protest has been issued, Singapore’s response reflects broader unease about students becoming collateral in a politically motivated crackdown.

Malaysia

The Harvard Club of Malaysia made a rare public declaration condemning the visa restrictions, describing them as contrary to the principles of academic openness and the values the United States professes. According to The Star, alumni cautioned that this move endangers scholarly freedom and negatively affects Malaysian students enrolled at Harvard.

Additionally, several Malaysian parliamentarians have voiced worries about the long-term consequences for educational cooperation between the two nations.

South Korea

South Korean media, including Chosun Biz, reported growing concern among Korean students, many of whom are enrolled in STEM and public policy programmes at Harvard. For students who passed rigorous admissions and complied with all regulations, the visa crackdown feels both unexpected and unjust.

“I did everything by the book,” said one graduate student in data science. “Now I’m being told I’m a risk.” Many expressed frustration over vague guidance from US immigration offices, while South Korean universities and education officials are beginning to explore support options in case students are forced to return home.

Indonesia

Indonesia has responded promptly to the situation, with Antara News reporting that consular support is being arranged for the 87 students impacted by the ban. The government has assured that it will actively assist in transferring these students to suitable alternative courses abroad, including options in Europe, Australia, and Canada, should the need arise. 

This swift response aims to minimise disruption to the students’ education and ensure their academic progress continues smoothly despite the uncertainties.

Harvard pushes back

Harvard University, known for its global reach and prestige, has also issued strong opposition to the visa ban, calling it "a direct attack on academic freedom and global cooperation." The institution is reportedly working with legal teams, advocacy groups, and government channels to reverse the decision or at least delay its implementation.

Meanwhile, several US universities—including MIT and Stanford—have expressed solidarity, signalling potential cross-campus alliances to resist further politicisation of international education, according to The New York Times.

What happens next?

The most immediate concern is the fate of current visa holders. While some students have received 30-day grace periods, others have already been informed their visas are “under review.” For new admissions, the future is even murkier.

The Trump-era visa ban may have begun as a political manoeuvre, but it has grown into a global reckoning. At stake is not just the academic journey of thousands, but the credibility of America’s claim to be a beacon for global talent. Whether this marks a temporary policy or a tectonic shift in international education remains to be seen. But for now, international students and the world are watching.