42 Korean Honor Students Denied Entry to U.S., Educational Trip Canceled. This is a story that immediately grabs your attention. Imagine the excitement, the anticipation, the dreams of visiting some of the most prestigious universities in the world – MIT, Harvard, Yale – all shattered at the last minute. That’s exactly what happened to 42 outstanding Korean students and their chaperones, participants in a government-sponsored educational program. They were ready to embark on a cultural exploration of the United States, only to be denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This mass denial is particularly striking given that all the students had already obtained prior approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).… Continue reading
On June 26, Canada amended its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, removing 178 non-degree programs while adding 119 new fields of study aligned with sectors facing labor shortages. This update brings the total eligible fields of study for PGWPs to 920. The government has also stated that graduates who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will still be eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the list when they applied. This is the latest in a series of changes, as last year the IRCC updated the eligibility criteria for PGWPs, and also announced the new 2025 Express Entry categories.
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Trump’s decision to pause all student visa vetting interviews is a move that has sparked widespread debate and concern. The immediate impact is a halt to the processing of student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories), effectively freezing the intake of international students at American universities.
This pause, ostensibly implemented to allow for the expansion of social media screening and vetting procedures, is perceived by many as a needless and overly burdensome bureaucratic hurdle. The concern isn’t just about the immediate halt; it’s about the chilling effect this action will have on prospective students worldwide. The uncertainty created by this abrupt pause will likely deter many from even applying to American universities, regardless of how long the pause lasts.… Continue reading
The US State Department has temporarily halted new student visa appointments globally to implement expanded social media vetting for all applicants. This action, stemming from a cable issued by Secretary Rubio, follows recent visa revocations and attempts to restrict foreign student enrollment. The pause is expected to create a significant backlog and potentially severely impact fall enrollment, particularly given the timing of the announcement. The expanded vetting process, while described as a review of existing procedures, raises concerns about its impact on international student admissions to US universities.
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The White House has temporarily halted new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies to implement expanded social media screenings for applicants. This pause, affecting all student visa applicants, is due to the “significant implications” the expanded vetting will have on embassy operations. The State Department will issue further guidance in the coming days. This action is the latest in a series of administration policies restricting international students, some of which have faced legal challenges.
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Following a federal judge’s blocking of an administration effort to bar Harvard from enrolling international students, Donald Trump demanded the names and countries of origin of all international students enrolled at the university. This request, made via Truth Social, follows a Homeland Security letter threatening to terminate Harvard’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Harvard subsequently sued the administration, citing First and Fourteenth Amendment violations, a suit which a judge temporarily ruled in favor of the university. Trump’s actions are part of a broader pattern of targeting elite universities, particularly regarding their endowments and diversity initiatives.
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Donald Trump, citing Harvard’s high percentage of international students (27.2%), demanded the university disclose their identities and home countries, questioning why those nations don’t contribute financially to their education. This follows the Trump administration’s attempts to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students and revoke its federal funding, actions a federal court temporarily halted. The administration’s actions stem from a broader effort to review universities’ federal funds and have been criticized as a politically motivated attack on higher education. Harvard has countered these accusations, emphasizing the significant contributions international students make to the university and the nation.
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The Wall Street Journal editorial board condemned the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, deeming the action detrimental to America’s global standing and competitiveness. The administration’s actions, including withholding funds from Columbia University and terminating grants for Harvard, stem from accusations of antisemitism on campuses and demands to reform DEI programs. The Journal argued that this approach harms America’s ability to attract top international talent, contrasting it with the administration’s other protectionist policies. Harvard subsequently obtained a court order allowing continued enrollment of international students while the case proceeds.
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Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, heir to the Belgian throne, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University. A recent Trump administration decision revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students threatens her continued studies. The Belgian royal palace is currently assessing the situation and its potential impact on the Princess’s education. The administration’s action, deemed illegal by Harvard, affects thousands of international students and could force them to leave the United States.
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Following the Trump administration’s revocation of Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) offered unconditional admission to affected students. This action, prompted by the U.S. government’s crackdown on elite universities, aims to ensure a smooth transition for students facing deportation. The move comes amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. government and Harvard, involving lawsuits and funding cuts. HKUST’s offer highlights potential shifts in global higher education and underscores the significant financial and reputational costs of the U.S. government’s actions.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker