American recruitment in the Canadian academy: The case in favour 

Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, his administration has moved swiftly to remake American higher education. It has frozen or threatened to withhold federal research funding from more than 60 institutions — including Harvard, Columbia and Princeton — unless they dismantle equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) offices, eliminate programs it deems “ideological,” and submit to direct federal oversight of curricula and student organizations. 

Although EDI has been the primary target, attacks on other aspects of academic life and research have quickly followed. New federal actions invoking antisemitism, foreign funding “transparency” and climate research oversight have introduced fresh channels of pressure, each carrying the same message: comply, or lose funding. The effects are already visible. Princeton lost $4 million in grants related to climate change research. The University of Michigan preemptively shut down its central equity office and a reproductive-health grant panel. Columbia has yielded to pressure, while Harvard is taking the federal government to court after $8.9 billion in federal contracts were frozen. 

The consequences extend beyond American citizens and institutions. According to an Associated Press review, more than 1,000 international students at 160 U.S. universities, including The Ohio State University, have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March. Some reportedly lost their status due to their political speech and activity.  Some reportedly lost their status due to their political speech and activity.  

Restrictions are affecting academics abroad as well. Scholars who plan to present research in the United States are being questioned at the border about their political views. In one case, a French scientist was denied entry due to criticism of Trump’s policies posted online. In today’s climate, being a foreign-born academic with an opinion that doesn’t toe the MAGA line can feel like checking every box on a Trump-era watchlist.  

Understandably, many scholars are anxious. Some are unsure if they’ll be allowed to return to the U.S. after a research trip abroad or a visit home. Others worry their research funding might disappear with little notice. And some face the very real prospect of deportation to countries where they could be at risk of persecution. 

Canada is already seeing the consequences. Reuters reported a 27 percent increase in U.S. graduate student applicants to the University of British Columbia. Other Canadian universities, including Toronto and Waterloo, have reported spikes in web traffic from the United States. The Financial Times recently noted that several prominent academics, including Yale professors Jason Stanley, Marci Shore and Timothy Snyder, are relocating to Canada. 

Some Canadian institutions have begun to respond. UBC has temporarily reopened graduate admissions and introduced a fast-track process for American students facing disruptions.

Faculty members across the country are stepping up — reviewing application materials, waiving language tests and circulating emergency funding opportunities. These are meaningful efforts, but without broader coordination, they remain piecemeal. 

What’s needed now is a national strategy. Canada should establish a clearing house for transfer procedures and immigration guidance; offer emergency fellowships to students and postdocs whose funding has evaporated; negotiate tuition waivers and credit-transfer agreements with American universities to keep academic progress on track; provide assistance with relocation logistics; and build partnerships to connect displaced scholars with Canadian researchers, preserving research collaborations that might otherwise collapse. 

Organizations like Universities Canada, the Canadian Association of University Teachers, and the Tri-Council funding agencies could take the lead. Academic associations, such as the Canadian Political Science Association, could offer field-specific mentorship. 

Some might ask: why should Canada act, especially given Trump’s attack on Canadian sovereignty? Two reasons stand out — one moral, and one strategic. 

First, there is a moral argument. Academic freedom is not the exclusive domain of any one country. When it comes under threat, it is incumbent on the broader scholarly community to respond. Canadian universities pride themselves on their international outlook. This is a moment to demonstrate that commitment — not just by welcoming researchers fleeing repression in distant countries, but by supporting those targeted by political crackdowns in the United States. 

Read the opposing view: American recruitment in the Canadian academy: The case against 

Second, there is a pragmatic case. The United States has historically been a magnet for research talent. If leading scholars no longer feel secure working there, Canada stands to benefit — particularly as the federal government seeks to grow its innovation and research sectors. Canada could attract highly skilled academics at a time when its own universities face increasing global competition for top talent. 

But time is short. In some cases, funding freezes arrive at university departments with 30 days’ notice. Visa cancellations come with none. For those affected, decisions must be made quickly — often with families, research agendas and entire careers on the line. 

I write this as someone who owes a great deal to Canada. I completed my master’s degree at McGill University and earned my PhD at the University of British Columbia. My graduate and postdoctoral research were supported by Canadian taxpayers through SSHRC grants. Canada is where I became a scholar, and I remain deeply grateful. 

Canadian universities have a strong global reputation. Now is the time to match that reputation with action. By stepping up, Canadian institutions can send a clear message: that academic freedom matters — and that those forced to choose between their conscience and their career will find a place, and a future, in Canada.