Harvard University and the University of Toronto have collaborated to help international students bearing the brunt of President Donald Trump’s visa limitation. The two universities have made a contingency plan for students at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) who might not be able to enter the United States because of new immigration policy.
As part of the agreement, impacted students can finish some of their coursework at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. The alliance is an indication of increased academic collaboration in anticipation of unpredictable US immigration enforcement.
Cross-Border Pact for Student Support
The Harvard’s Kennedy School and Toronto’s Munk School pact is set to promote academic continuity. The pact enables international students, who are presently prevented from entering the US, to have common academic and co-curricular experiences in Canada.
Jeremy Weinstein, Harvard Kennedy School Dean, told students in a letter that the initiative will implement only if there is “sufficient demand.” He assured that HKS is dedicated to providing a world-class education to all its students, including with the help of partners such as the Munk School.
Harvard’s Legal Battle With Trump Administration
Harvard University is still embroiled in a court struggle with the Trump administration. The university claims that the Department of Homeland Security illegally withdrew its authority to enrol international students. Significantly, approximately 25% of Harvard students are from abroad.
Two preliminary injunctions have already been secured by Harvard against the DHS, giving hope for the granting of visas. But until absolute clarity, the university is lining up alternative plans for its international student population.
Munk School Rises to Host HKS Students
Janice Stein, the Munk School’s founding director, verified the school’s commitment. She indicated that if students can’t study in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Munk School would provide an uninterrupted academic experience in Toronto.
Students entering the Canadian university will remain required to have Canadian study permits. They will be registered as non-degree, full-time students. The program is available only for students who have already gained at least one year of study in the US.
Canada’s Student Visa Cap Won’t Affect Plan
Canada recently limited the number of international student visas it issues. Nevertheless, the University of Toronto explained that the new plan would not influence seat numbers for U of T students. Neither will it influence accommodation for enrolled students.
Besides the Toronto choice, Harvard announced HKS Global as well. The program will have both online and on-campus elements for worldwide students. This partnership exhibits how educational institutions are adapting to safeguard worldwide education from political interference.