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The Ivian League Institute warned the students coming to their social media content and individual electronic equipment while entering the country.
Harvard University. (Reuters/file image)
Harvard University has issued an advice for its upcoming international students to avoid entering the United States through Logan International Airport in Boston and instead considering flying in options such as New York due to prolonged inquiry or secondary inspection of students at Boston Airport.
The Ivian League Institute warned the students coming to their social media content and individual electronic equipment while entering the country. Harvard advised international students to bring all the necessary educational records including their sevis receipt, CV, admit card and I-20/DS-2019. Additionally, they should confirm that electronic devices are available and unlocked.
This warning is between increasing investigation on American borders and increasing pressure from the Trump administration on the university’s international programs.
There have been reports of students with prolonged interrogation or secondary inspections, especially STEM backgrounds, and those from China or Iran. Harvard suggested flying on these airports as they facilitate more efficient travel for foreign visitors.
According to a report by Bloomberg, advisors were issued during a private call hosted by Harvard’s International Office and Harvard Law School Immigration Support Group. The call held last week included Morin Martin, Director of Immigration Services of Harvard and input from Attorney Jason Coral, a staff of the clinic.
Students who attended the call told the news outlet that the session was aimed at providing guidance to avoid visas and immigration issues.
Be conscious of social media activity
Students who attended the call said that during the session, Harvard administrators warned new foreign students that US State Department officials had the right to review social media accounts for students visa applicants, while US customs and border security can check individual electronic equipment and reject the entry based on their content.
It is not clear whether these assessments are conducted manually by federal employees or with the help of artificial intelligence, the report states.
Students were also warned about potential “red flags” which could attract the investigation. Although not clearly defined, the posts that express pro -Palestine ideas are considered as semritic, or abusive positions for the US and its government were quoted as the possibility of raising concerns. Any previous bumps in law enforcement can also attract attention.
Harvard officials did not warn the students to completely remove the contents of their equipment, as cleaning a device to clean a device before the journey.
Special travel advice for students of Iran, China
Harvard representatives allegedly advised Iranians and Chinese citizens to study in special areas – including anything related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and AI – to take special care while traveling.
Corals allegedly advised Iranian students to avoid flying at Logan International Airport in Boston, where they may face increased investigation. Instead, airports such as JFK, Chicago O’Here or Los Angeles International in New York were suggested as potentially less problematic options.
Harvard vs Trump
Harvard has been on the radar of the push of the Donald Trump administration to change higher education. In addition to challenging the school’s ability to accept international students, the administration has canceled more than $ 2.6 billion in federal research funding and questioned the tax-free status of the university.
Initially, federal officials have expanded their criticism to involve allegations of political bias and involve allegations of protest against the diversity initiative in entry and work, accusing Harvard of promoting antisementism.
(With input from Bloomberg)
Shobit Gupta is a sub-editor at AyraNews24x7.com and covers India and international news. He is interested in day -day political matters in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Honors) degree from Ben …Read more
Shobit Gupta is a sub-editor at AyraNews24x7.com and covers India and international news. He is interested in day -day political matters in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Honors) degree from Ben … Read more
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