July 3, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Hey, it's Carrie at International Student Voice! Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:
Latest news headlines for students and educators
Success Story Spotlight - international student to successful tech entrepreneur
Scholarship Roundup
Harvard vs. Trump Update (because we even lost track of what's going on - and wow is there an update!)
Plus...July 4th is coming up. AKA Independence Day in the U.S. The country will be 249 years old.
There’ll be fireworks, questionable potato salad, and at least one person yelling “’Murica” from a moving truck.
Carrie at International Student Voice
THIS WEEK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 📰
Trump Proposes "Time Limits" on Student Visas
The days of staying in the U.S. "as long as you're enrolled" might be coming to an end. The Trump administration is reviving a controversial 2020 proposal that would replace the current student visa system with fixed expiration dates, forcing F-1 and J-1 holders to reapply periodically. The policy is currently under final government review – just one step away from becoming reality. This could fundamentally change how international students plan their academic journey in America. (NDTV)
Feds Quietly Build First-Ever National Citizenship Database
While everyone was watching the Harvard drama unfold, the Department of Homeland Security was busy creating something America had never had before: a searchable national citizenship database. The system can instantly verify the citizenship status of any person using just their Social Security number, and election officials are already using it to check entire voter rolls. Privacy experts are raising red flags about the lack of public oversight and potential for misuse. (NPR)
Chinese Students Get Reprieve in Trade Deal
In a surprising policy reversal, Trump announced on June 11 that Chinese students would be allowed into U.S. colleges and universities as part of a broader trade agreement with China. This comes after weeks of uncertainty about Chinese student visa processing. (EdSource)
ICYMI
How to prepare for the U.S. visa interview, including the new social media screening requirements (and our handy interview checklist).
SPOTLIGHT: From Student to Silicon Valley Success: Jason Gui's Journey
Ever wonder what happens when an international student's American dream actually comes true?
This week, we're spotlighting a must-listen NPR interview with Jason Gui, founder of Vigo Technologies, who went from drowsy college student to successful tech entrepreneur.
Jason's story hits different because it's happening right now - as current restrictions make the international student path more challenging than ever.
Born in China, raised in New Zealand, educated at UPenn and Wharton, Jason didn't just study in America - he built something amazing here.
How he turned a college problem (staying awake in class!) into a $2 million Kickstarter success
Why he chose the U.S. over three other countries (spoiler: it wasn't just the education)
His honest take on current restrictions: "It's really shortsighted"
The real impact of turning away international talent
Listen here: U.S.-educated entrepreneur Jason Gui discusses restrictions on foreign students (4 minutes)
This interview perfectly captures both the potential and the current challenges facing international students. Jason's perspective as someone who's lived the dream - and his concerns about the future - make this essential listening for anyone navigating the U.S. education system.
FUNDING YOUR FUTURE: Scholarship Opportunities 💰
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
Open to international students enrolled at U.S. or Canadian universities that MPOWER supports. Awards range from $1,000-$8,000, with the deadline of July 31, 2025. This is perfect for students already in the system looking for additional funding.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
For U.S. students studying abroad, but many international students don't know about the reverse - some programs offer funding for international students in exchange programs. Next deadline: August 7, 2025. Worth exploring if you're considering study abroad opportunities.Details at Gilman Scholarship
McCall MacBain Scholarships
Applications open June through August/September 2025 for Summer/Fall 2026 admission. This is a prestigious scholarship program worth getting on your radar early.Apply at McCall MacBain
Bold.org International Student Scholarships
Multiple exclusive scholarships are available only through their platform, with various deadlines throughout the summer. These range from smaller awards to significant funding opportunities.
IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Harvard vs. Trump Administration
The Legal Battle Continues
The latest chapter in the ongoing saga between the Trump administration and Harvard University just got more intense. I know I needed a recap of what's happened so far, it's been confusing to keep up.
Here's what's happening:
After federal judges blocked Trump's attempts to ban international students from Harvard in June, the administration has escalated with a new strategy. As of July 1st, they've frozen $2.5 billion in federal grant money to Harvard and are now accusing the university of anti-Semitic harassment.
Quick timeline recap:
June 4: Trump signed a proclamation blocking new Harvard students on F, M, or J visas
June 20-23: Federal judges said "not so fast" and indefinitely blocked the restrictions
June 27: Trump administration announced they're appealing to higher courts
July 1: New escalation with funding freeze and civil rights allegations
But here's the plot twist: Harvard isn't sitting around waiting for courts to decide their fate.
The Canada Connection: Harvard's Backup Plan
Harvard Kennedy School has partnered with the University of Toronto to create the first-ever international student contingency plan we've seen in response to these restrictions.
How it works
Suppose Harvard students are unable to return to the U.S. due to visa issues. In that case, they can continue their graduate studies through a visiting student program at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Think of it as academic insurance – your education continues, just with a maple leaf backdrop.
Why this matters for you
This could be a game-changer. If other universities follow Harvard's lead and create similar international partnerships, it means more safety nets for international students during uncertain times.
The bottom line
While the legal battle continues (and will likely drag on for months), universities are getting creative about protecting their international students. That's exactly the kind of forward-thinking we need right now.
Stay tuned – we'll keep tracking this story as it develops.
Sources: CNN, Al Jazeera, University Business
July 4 - Independence Day
July 4th is America's Independence Day, and it's one of the biggest holidays here - think fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. Many businesses will be closed or close earlier than usual, so plan ahead for groceries and errands.
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