Harvard University’s 2025 commencement ceremony was not only an academic celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on immigration, academic freedom, and political oppression. Stanford University professor and author Dr. Abraham Verghese’s speech (https://youtu.be/4mjPt7cZW1k?si=K2SCPaQf2mXy1dlQ) shed light on these issues and inspired the graduates.

Verghese, who was born in Ethiopia and studied medicine in India, shared his own immigration experiences in his speech. Verghese, who came to the US to pursue a career in medicine, emphasized the opportunities America offers to immigrants and the contribution of this diversity to the country’s strength. He also criticized the Trump administration’s policies towards international students and praised Harvard’s stance against these oppressions.

Verghese called on the graduates to appreciate the value of life and make the most of their time. Another important statement in the speech was the sentence, “Character is determined by decisions made under pressure.”

In one of the most striking moments of his speech, Dr. Abraham Verghese made reference to the slogan “Make America Great Again,” frequently used by former US President Donald Trump. However, Verghese emphasized that in order for this statement to truly come to life, the contributions of immigrants must be recognized. Drawing on his own immigration story, he reminded us that America has developed through international contributions in many areas, from science to the arts, technology to health. “What makes this country great is its values ​​that keep it open to the world,” he said.

This emphasis was both a reference to political rhetoric and a strong message against rising xenophobia.

In his speech at the commencement ceremony, Harvard President Alan Garber reiterated the university’s commitment to its global student community. He stated that international students are an integral part of Harvard, with the phrase “from all over the world – as they should be.” This statement was interpreted as a stance against the Trump administration’s restrictions on international student visas.

Harvard University has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic freedom and diversity by standing up to the pressures on international students. Verghese’s speech provided an opportunity for not only graduates but also society as a whole to reflect on unity, solidarity and human values.