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US risks hard-won soft power by alienating Chinese students

US risks hard-won soft power by alienating Chinese students

While the US has resumed processing of student and exchange visitor visas, the future of Chinese students who are attending Harvard remains uncertain.
The resumption followed a federal judge's decision last week to temporarily block a ban on Harvard's qualification to enroll international students.
The judge set a June 16 hearing for further arguments in the case.
Harvard also vowed to continue its legal battle, while working to ensure its international students and scholars can 'fully' pursue their academic work.
While many have highlighted how hard
Chinese students have been hit by the ban, since they account for one-fifth of Harvard's international enrollment, the visa restrictions imposed by the White House have sent mixed messages.
In a phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Donald Trump said the 'US loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America'.
Earlier, Trump said he welcomed Chinese students, but not those who caused 'troubles'. It is still not clear what he meant.

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