Australia reacts to Donald Trump’s ‘alien’ student ban

Thousands of Australian academics and students are caught up in Donald Trump’s ban on foreign students attending American universities after the US President froze new visa processing.

Harvard University graduating senior Victor Flores claps while listening to a fellow student speak. Picture: AP

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Thousands of Australian academics and students are caught up in Donald Trump’s ban on “aliens” attending American universities, after the US President froze new visa processing on Wednesday.

One of the 120 Australians enrolled at Harvard University – which is at the epicentre of President Trump’s attack – has spoken of his concerns about vetting of his social media accounts.

The Australian man, who already has a student visa and is enrolled to start a course at Harvard in August, said he is “sad to see that a famed institution is being used as a political prop”.

“I am very proud that Harvard is resisting,’’ he said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear his American study visa might be cancelled. “Trump is explicitly attacking democracy.

“When you go after the independence of educational institutions, you begin to devolve into true authoritarianism.

“Personally, I am highly stressed and worried about what my next few years look like – it’s really difficult to change such major life plans at short notice.’’

The Australian man was also nervous about the Trump administration’s plans to vet foreign students’ social media posts.

“It’s quite unsettling to know that your prior posts and speech could impact immigration status,’’ he said. “It’s unclear exactly what they might be looking for.

“It feels like it goes against the principles of the First Amendment, with broad discretionary powers given to visa processing officials.’’

International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood, who is attending a tertiary education conference in the US, said no one had anticipated a blanket ban on all foreign students.

“The additional sting in the tail – the right to inspect all social media posts by students currently in the pipeline – has caused understandable horror as well,’’ he said.

International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood, who is visiting the US, has spoken of the ‘understandable horror’ of Mr Trump’s plans to vet social media posts of international students. Picture: Nikki Short

“It was only a short time ago that Trump was flagging Green Card citizenship rights for any international student who graduated in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) program from an American university.

“His 360-degree policy turn is apparently in response to his MAGA Republican support base reminding him that he was elected on an anti-immigration platform.’’

Mr Honeywood said Australia would not benefit from the American ban, due to the Albanese government’s decision to cut the number of international student visas.

Harvard University’s International Office wrote to foreign students on Tuesday, explaining that the US Department of Homeland Security had revoked Harvard’s student and exchange visitor program certification.

It said the programs had been reinstated after a federal court in Boston granted a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, with a federal court hearing on May 29 to decide whether to issue a “more enduring injunction’’.

“We understand the extreme anxiety and uncertainty this has caused, and we share your deep concerns,’’ the letter states. “Thank you for everything you contribute to Harvard and this nation. You matter. Your presence at Harvard matters, and we will fight for you.’’

The US Department of Homeland Security wrote to Harvard on May 22 that “Harvard is prohibited from having any aliens on F or J non-immigrant status for the 2025-26 academic school year.

“This decertification also means that existing aliens on F or J non-immigrant status must transfer to another university in order to maintain their non-immigrant status.”

On its website, Harvard University urges foreign students entering the US to commence study to “have your travel documents well organised and remain calm throughout the process’’.

“Realise that if you are placed in secondary screening, you may have your electronic devices taken,’’ it warns.

Harvard states that existing students are not required to leave, due to the May 23 court order, but warns the situation may change and is offering counselling to affected students.

“We recognise the emotional strain that these events and the weight of uncertainty are placing on all of us,’’ it states.