In a provocative article for Compact magazine, Helen Andrews critiques the effects of race-based admissions policies in higher education, arguing they harm predominantly white applicants. She links this issue to her criticisms of Asian immigration, suggesting overrepresentation of Asians in elite institutions stems from a cultural propensity for “grind culture” and alleged test cheating. However, data reveals that since the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action, Asian representation at Harvard increased from 26% to 41%, while white student enrollment plummeted from 47% to 31%. Andrews overlooks the fact that this shift primarily benefits Asian applicants and does not solely disadvantage white students, as Black and Latino representation has also declined. Furthermore, Andrews misrepresents support for affirmative action among Asian-Americans, who largely oppose race considerations in admissions. Her push for reduced high-skilled immigration poses risks to American competitiveness and innovation, underlining a nationalist agenda that may hinder the nation’s global standing.
