Students worldwide in a state of dismay,
Their US visas on hold, no appointments in play.
A memo was sent, a pause to take place,
Uncertainty reigns, with anxious faces.
The state department's new vetting process so grand,
Will now check social media, a new demand.
Elite universities, a target so fine,
President Trump's crackdown, a liberal decline.
Students in limbo, with scholarships at stake,
Visa appointments unavailable, a frustrating ache.
Some wish they'd applied elsewhere to roam,
But now their US dreams may be left to atone.
A master's student from Shanghai did say,
"I already regret it, what a terrible day."
Their application approved, but still they fear,
Being chased back to China, without a degree so dear.
The state department spoke, with a serious tone,
"We take vetting seriously, our process is not unknown."
But students are worried, with uncertainty high,
Their US education dreams, may soon say goodbye.
Harvard's in the crosshairs, a ban to abide,
For not combating antisemitism, a charge to abide.
A lawsuit was filed, but the ban's still in place,
A hearing scheduled, a uncertain future to face.
Students from China, with a consultancy so fine,
Are unsure how to advise, with changing rules in line.
Fewer students may see the US as a viable goal,
A change in the landscape, with a uncertain role.
International students, over 1.1 million strong,
Enrolled in US colleges, with a tuition fee so long.
Universities rely on them, a crucial part of their pay,
But now their future's uncertain, in a changing way.