SINGAPORE: Singapore is trying to find solutions to deal with the “worst-case scenario” where Singaporean Harvard University students are not able to physically study in Boston, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Saturday (Jun 7).
His ministry will continue to seek clarification on international student visas with the US State Department and Department of Homeland Security, he told reporters, though he made no promises that the matter would be resolved in time.
Dr Balakrishnan on Saturday completed a four-day working visit to Washington DC. This was the first ministerial visit to the US since both countries elected new governments.
Harvard’s ability to enroll international students was thrown into turmoil last month after the US government said it would block the university from accepting foreign students, affecting study plans.
Though all Singaporean students are set to be affected by the visa issue and possible delays in processing their applications, those studying at Harvard have the “greatest concern”, and Singapore’s ambassador to the US, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, has held a virtual townhall with them.
“We are also trying to find solutions to deal with the worst-case scenario where they would not be able to physically study in Boston,” Dr Balakrishnan said, adding that the ministry has some ideas about how to help the students deal with that “without impairing their academic and professional progress”.
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Those who are not in the US yet and have not secured visas may need to have backup plans, he said.
“But my main point is we will stay in touch, and we will continue to keep you informed.”
A court on Thursday ruled that the government cannot enforce US President Donald Trump’s latest move to bar most new international students at Harvard from entering the country, following legal action by the university.
Beyond Harvard, Reuters also reported last month that the US ordered its consular offices to stop scheduling new visa interviews for students and exchange visitors.
“I am not in a position to give any guarantees that this will be resolved in time,” said Dr Balakrishnan, when asked about contingencies being planned for Singaporean students.
He noted that it is already June, and the academic year in the US usually begins in August.
“We will have to watch this space, but rest assured that we will continue to do our best to try to at least get clarification, get certainty … (and) thereafter, give our students specific advice,” he said.
Around 6,800 international students – including 151 Singaporeans – are enrolled in Harvard’s current academic year, making up 27 percent of its total enrollment, according to university statistics.
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‘Anxious, uncertain’: US study plans for Singaporeans derailed by halt on new student visas
Dr Balakrishnan said he hoped that there will be clarifications from US authorities in the next few days, but that these are domestic political issues.
“The situation confronting our students is not confined to Singapore, but indeed to all international students,” he said. “It is not directed at us. Nevertheless, you can become affected as collateral damage.”
He added that it is in the interest of both countries to keep opportunities open to Singaporeans who want to study and even work in the US.
“I hope we will be able to find suitable solutions for our students who want to pursue educational opportunities in the United States.”
“NO HURDLES”
Dr Balakrishnan also said there were no challenges in interacting with his…
