Photo Credit: An Hoang (MAR '22)

 

The Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance (H4A) asserts its unwavering solidarity with international students and scholars at Harvard and across the United States.

 

Recent actions by the current administration, including the suspension of new student visa appointments and the attempted revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll new international students (note: this Executive Order was blocked as of June 6, 2025), not only threaten the academic and professional futures of countless individuals but also undermine the foundations of academic freedom and global collaboration. These actions will undoubtedly have lasting impacts on shared progress and well-being around the world.

 

International students and scholars are essential to our academic, cultural, and civic communities.  They bring knowledge, innovation, creativity, and global perspectives, not only to American universities but to the U.S. as a whole. The economic impact of international students and scholars is also incomparable. NAFSA's latest analysis finds that international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $43.8 billion and supported 378,175 jobs to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 academic year. We recognize the fear and uncertainty many of us are now facing, and we want our international students and scholars to know that H4A sees you, supports you, and stands with you.

 

There are concrete ways that we, as fellow alumni, can show up in this moment in support of international students and scholars:

  • Stay updated by checking the Harvard International Office website and subscribing to updates from organizations like NAFSA, which advocates for international education.

  • Contact your representatives using this template. This moment demands our advocacy and voice. 

  • H4A is committed to elevating stories of how Harvard international students have made a difference in the world. Please nominate people for us to consider!

 

To our international students and scholars: you belong here. You are valued. You are not alone.