Harvard, Toronto Launch Plan for Visa-Affected Students

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Harvard University and the University of Toronto have announced a backup plan for international students who could have visa troubles in the United States. If urgent travel restrictions restrict students from returning to the US, a new program is now being offered to afford continued academic engagement to a small number of HKS graduate students.

The program will also provide an opportunity for these students to continue studying at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy on a temporary basis. In the wake of the concerns and fears around changes in immigration policy, this partnership reflects a dedication to continuing education without interruption.

Harvard students to visit the Munk School
This venture is only offered to Harvard Kennedy School students who have completed at least one full year (two consecutive semesters) on Harvard's US campus. If they are unable to return because of travel restrictions or visa issues, they can study as visiting students in Canada, the instruction jointly conducted by faculty members from the two universities.

HKS Dean Jeremy Weinstein said the plan would only come into effect if there is substantial demand from students impacted by the decision. [Harvard] does not wane on its commitment to provide its public policy offerings no matter where students are physically located.

US Visa Policy Raising Concerns Drives Plan
The contingency plan comes on the heels of actions by the US Department of Homeland Security last month that threatened Harvard's capacity to host international students. While a federal judge later blocked the decision, it set off alarm about the stability of student visas under the current administration.

Tensions have also been exacerbated by the Trump administration's criticism of funding for Harvard research and its alleged connections to foreign governments. More than half of HKS's student body is international, with 739 students from 92 countries now enrolled.