International students already represent the most tracked and vetted category of nonimmigrants in the United States; the pause is unnecessary and a poor use of taxpayer dollars.
Fanta Aw
executive director of NAFSA
All this is just going to scare people away from the United States, people that might come here, get an education, stay here, make some really important progress in some area … It’s just all wrong-headed.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
Key Facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a halt to student visa interviews abroad, impacting international students' entry to the US.
- NAFSA criticized the visa interview pause as unnecessary and a poor use of taxpayer dollars, highlighting that international students are already highly vetted.
- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers warned that the visa policy will scare away potential international students who might otherwise come to the US for education and contribute significantly.
- The visa policy caused shock waves in the international student community, which was already feeling traumatized by previous uncertainties.
- US President Donald Trump announced a ban affecting international students at Harvard, creating uncertainty for students including Princess Elisabeth.1
- Princess Elisabeth, a 23-year-old royal and Harvard master's student, started her program in September 2024 after graduating from Oxford University.1
- Amid the visa ban, Princess Elisabeth returned to Belgium and has joined an internship related to international relations and human rights.1
- US authorities are investigating the full impact of the visa policy decision, with clarity expected in the coming days and weeks.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Age of Princess Elisabeth
23 years
1
Start date of Princess Elisabeth's master's program
September 2024
1