In a significant escalation of tensions between the U.S. government and Harvard University, President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation suspends the entry of international students intending to study or participate in exchange programs at the prestigious institution. The suspension, effective for an initial six months, cites national security concerns and could be extended further.
The proclamation to suspends also directs the U.S. State Department to consider revoking academic or exchange visas of current Harvard students who meet certain criteria outlined in the directive. This move follows a week after a federal judge in Boston announced plans to issue a broad injunction preventing the administration from revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, who comprise approximately a quarter of its student body.
The Trump administration’s actions are part of a broader campaign against Harvard, which includes freezing billions of dollars in grants and other funding, and proposing to end the university’s tax-exempt status. The administration alleges that Harvard has “demonstrated a history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism,” with “extensive entanglements with foreign adversaries,” including China. The proclamation references FBI warnings that foreign adversaries exploit access to American higher education to steal information, exploit research and development, and spread misinformation.
Harvard has strongly contested these allegations, describing the proclamation as “yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.” The university has vowed to continue protecting its international students and has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the freezing of funds and other punitive measures are unconstitutional.
The Department of Homeland Security had previously announced the immediate revocation of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows the university to enroll foreign students. However, this action was temporarily blocked by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs. Subsequently, the department indicated it would challenge Harvard’s certification through a more extended administrative process.
The State Department has also ordered all its consular missions overseas to begin additional vetting of visa applicants seeking to travel to Harvard for any purpose. This increased scrutiny has raised concerns among prospective and current international students.
The suspension and associated measures have sparked widespread concern within the academic community, with critics arguing that such actions undermine the United States’ reputation as a welcoming destination for international scholars and students. The situation continues to develop as legal challenges proceed and the implications for international education and academic freedom are debated.
