Hong Kong steps up to help students in visa crisis

A recent move by the Trump administration has left many international students in a tough spot. The administration tried to stop Harvard from taking in foreign students, but a court stepped in to pause this decision. This sudden change has caused a lot of uncertainty for students who were planning to study at Harvard. In the middle of this chaos, Hong Kong saw an opportunity. The city's education bureau reached out to its universities, encouraging them to welcome students affected by the U. S. decision. This move isn't just about helping students; it's also a chance for Hong Kong to attract top talent from around the world. One university in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Science and Technology University, went a step further. They opened their doors wide, offering spots to students who had to leave Harvard and even those who had plans to join but were held back by the visa issue. They promised to make the transition as smooth as possible, with easy admission processes and academic support. Hong Kong is home to some of the world's best universities. However, in recent years, these institutions have had to blend national security and patriotic themes into their studies. This is because China's ruling party has been tightening its control over the semi-autonomous city. More than 2, 000 students from Asia are currently enrolled at Harvard. Many of them see Harvard as a dream destination, a place of prestige and opportunity. One Taiwanese student, who wished to remain anonymous, was all set to start a Master's program in August. He had already paid for his visa and accommodation and even deferred his hospital residency for a year. Now, he's left wondering what to do next. Harvard isn't taking this lying down. They've taken legal action against the Trump administration's decision, arguing that it puts them at a disadvantage in attracting the world's top students. They believe that a university that can't welcome students from all over the world is at a competitive disadvantage. The vast majority of Harvard's foreign students are from China. One Chinese student studying in the U. S. for the first time shared her struggle. She had overcome a lot to get to where she is, but the sudden visa crisis made her feel small and powerless. China's foreign affairs ministry wasn't happy about the U. S. decision either. They opposed the politicization of educational cooperation and warned that the move could harm the U. S. 's image and standing in the world. On social media, many saw this as just another clash between the U. S. and China.