Koan Hemana is now in his third year studying neuroscience at Harvard University. Photo: Koan Hemana / supplied
A New Zealand student in his third year at the University of Harvard fears he will not be able to complete his degree as the president of the United States, Donald Trump, tries to revoke the Ivy League school's ability to enrol international students.
Koan Hemana, who won a scholarship to Harvard, told Midday Report he was trying to remain calm and be optimistic.
Hemana, who is in his third year studying neuroscience at Harvard, had faith in the courts to mitigate the situation, but said it was a shame that Harvard was the only university which had been targeted by the Trump administration.
"Supposedly it's for reasons of anti-Semitism, but in my mind, it was just safe student protest that was contained by Harvard and registered for," he said.
Hemana said Harvard students were "very much encouraged" to speak out about their beliefs, and that it was a shame that there had been a reaction like this from the Trump administration, and with "very extreme" being thrown around that he did not agree with.
Hemana added it had been stressful for Harvard's international students since the election.
"There's always that, like, nervous energy walking around campus and it's sad to see some other, like, fellow students be affected by this.
"There's a lot of people that have already gone home and are wondering if they can get back in the fall."
Hemana's biggest concern was that he would not be able to finish his degree, but he said he tried not to think about that too often.
He was also concerned about the strain on Harvard's resources, as well as how it would affect other international students.
"To lose the international population, I think would be a tremendous loss.
"My biggest fear is that Harvard has to drastically change in response to this, and, you know, we don't want that to happen."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
