Harvard President Alan Garber expressed concerns on Thursday about recent federal policy changes that could hinder America’s ability to attract top international students and scholars. Speaking at The Economic Club of Washington D.C., Garber highlighted that these shifts might deter the global elite from engaging in research and study in the U.S.
Garber emphasized the importance of international collaboration for maintaining America’s leadership in research and innovation. He pointed out that recent measures, such as a new rule limiting international students’ stay to four years without additional government approval, could discourage Ph.D. candidates, whose programs often exceed this timeframe.
Garber warned that such policies might send a message that immigrants are unwelcome, thus limiting access to global talent. He noted that while U.S. talent is exceptional, the country cannot compete globally if it restricts itself from international talent.
Although Harvard has not seen a significant loss of faculty to other countries, Garber noted a noticeable impact on postdoctoral researchers. He also mentioned ongoing conflicts with the federal government over governance issues, which have led to funding cuts and visa threats against international students, though these actions have been halted by federal courts.
Garber stressed that the issue extends beyond specific disputes with the Trump administration, highlighting broader concerns about the relationship between the federal government and research universities in the U.S.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
