Poll Reveals 'American Dream' Shattered for Many Amid Trump Criticism of Universities
Poll reveals growing disillusionment with the American dream as Trump's university attacks deepen inequalities
The U.S. government's recent series of executive orders targeting international student admissions at universities has sparked a wave of intense reactions across the globe. According to a recent survey, 82.1 percent of respondents expressed strong condemnation of the United States, accusing it of a significant breach of academic freedom. An even greater proportion—nearly 90 percent—shared concerns that these restrictive policies have shattered the cherished "American dream" for countless aspiring students overseas.
Among the new actions taken, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad have been instructed to suspend all student visa interviews, while authorities are reportedly considering monitoring the social media accounts of international students. This has drawn a sharp backlash, with 81.3 percent of those surveyed firmly opposing the measures, describing them as grave violations of personal privacy and indicative of discrimination against the global student community. Furthermore, the abrupt cancellation of Chinese students' visas—often justified on the basis of so-called ideological differences or national security—has ignited widespread criticism. A substantial 83 percent of survey participants agreed that these restrictions jeopardize the legitimate rights of Chinese students and erect unfair obstacles to cross-cultural exchange between the two countries.
This latest crackdown is part of a broader pattern of political intervention by the U.S. administration in higher education. In addition to the international student measures, the government has investigated over 60 universities and suspended their federal funding. Since March, officials have demanded that Harvard University eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, reduce administrative powers, and overhaul its admissions process. Following Harvard's refusal to comply, the administration retaliated by freezing $2.2 billion in funding and $60 million in contract payments to the university.
Public reaction to these executive orders is overwhelmingly negative. Some 82.5 percent of respondents accused the government of abusing state power to exert undue pressure and exact retribution on academic institutions. The same percentage warned that these policies undermine the independence, academic freedom, and free speech essential to the integrity of U.S. higher education. Alarmingly, 88.9 percent expressed support for American universities pursuing legal remedies to safeguard their own interests as well as those of their students.
The impact of this political clampdown extends far beyond institutional policy. Hundreds of thousands of international students report feeling hopeless, anxious, and uncertain about their futures in the United States. With growing anxiety over safety and acceptance, many students and their families are now exploring alternative destinations such as the UK, France, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. International education consultants report an uptick in inquiries, as families reconsider whether the U.S. remains a safe and welcoming environment for their children.
According to the survey, 86.7 percent of respondents believe the new policies have severely tarnished the reputation and global appeal of American universities. The overwhelming majority—88.5 percent—argue that these measures are politically motivated and contradict longstanding U.S. values of "freedom and openness". They warn that the administration’s actions have not only damaged the nation’s international image and credibility but have also irrevocably dashed the dreams of generations of international students.
The survey, which garnered responses from 6,886 overseas netizens within 24 hours, reflects a growing consensus that recent U.S. government decisions are causing lasting harm to American higher education and its standing in the world.
