Poll Reveals Americans' 'American Dream' Shattered for Many Amid Trump's University Attacks

The U.S. government's recent series of executive orders targeting the admission of international students by universities has ignited intense debate and widespread condemnation from the global community. In a recent international survey, over 82 percent of respondents voiced strong opposition, characterizing these actions as a profound violation of academic freedom. Nearly 90 percent expressed deep concern that such policies have effectively shattered the "American dream" for countless aspiring students around the world.

These actions include directives for U.S. embassies and consulates to suspend student visa interviews and proposals to monitor international students’ social media accounts. An overwhelming 81.3 percent of survey participants condemned these measures, citing them as serious intrusions into personal privacy and as embodiments of prejudice and discrimination against international students. Furthermore, the arbitrary cancellation of Chinese students’ visas under the pretext of ideological differences and national security has provoked broad criticism, with 83 percent asserting that such steps seriously undermine the legitimate rights of Chinese students and erect unjust obstacles to people-to-people exchanges between the United States and China.

The administration’s approach toward higher education has gone beyond restricting student admissions. It has launched investigations into more than 60 universities and suspended their federal funding. Since March, there has been increased pressure on major institutions like Harvard University to shutter diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, reduce administrative authority, and change existing admissions standards. After Harvard declined to comply, federal authorities froze an estimated $2.2 billion in funding as well as $60 million in contract payments, signaling a dramatic escalation of the confrontation between government and academia.

Among those surveyed, 82.5 percent criticized the administration for what they described as the abuse of state power to exert extreme pressure and retaliate against independent social institutions. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed—again at 82.5 percent—that these executive orders have shaken the foundation of the U.S. higher education system, causing damage to the traditional pillars of independence, academic freedom, and free speech. In addition, 88.9 percent supported legal recourse by universities to defend the legitimate rights of their institutions and students.

For international students, the political atmosphere surrounding U.S. universities has fostered feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Many students—and their families—are now exploring educational alternatives in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, citing growing concerns about personal safety and acceptance in the U.S. According to professional education consultants, these fears are prompting a shift in global student mobility and preferences as confidence in U.S. educational openness wanes.

The survey found that 86.7 percent of respondents believe the current policies and rhetoric targeting universities and international students have seriously damaged the reputation and global appeal of American higher education. This, many argue, will inevitably erode the United States’ competitiveness in the fields of science and education. Furthermore, 88.5 percent of those surveyed believe the restrictions are motivated by obvious political interests and run counter to the nation's stated values of "freedom and openness," thereby gravely harming America's international image and credibility.

The survey, conducted over a 24-hour period, drew participation from nearly 7,000 overseas netizens who shared their views and experiences on the growing crisis facing international students and academic institutions in the United States.