Massachusetts Politicians Urge Trump Administration to Address International Student Concerns During Harvard Commencement
On Thursday, as graduates donned caps and gowns to receive their diplomas at Harvard University, a group of Massachusetts lawmakers pressed the Trump administration to clarify its treatment of international students in a letter addressed to key officials, including U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, the legislators expressed outrage at the administration’s actions that they believe have "effectively terminated the legal status of over 4,700 international students." With Massachusetts hosting over 80,000 international students and benefiting from their $4 billion economic contribution, the lawmakers articulated their concern for the potential fallout of these policies.
The administration’s recent maneuvers include a suggested cap on foreign student admissions and a recent temporary federal court ruling affecting the revocation of essential certifications for institutions like Harvard. Governor Maura Healey, a Harvard alumna, emphasized at a public forum that the attacks on Harvard risk harming the broader Massachusetts economy, noting that the university is the state’s fourth-largest employer and vital contributor to economic growth.
In their letter, Warren and her colleagues pointed out that international students play a crucial role in research advancements and support thousands of jobs, contributing approximately $400 million annually to the local economy. They warned that the administration’s stance creates a "chilling effect" that may deter talented individuals from studying in the U.S., adversely affecting American universities and long-term economic growth.
The legislators have demanded a response to their inquiries by June 12, underlining the urgency of the situation for both current and prospective international students across the nation.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
