U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a six-month suspension on the entry of foreign nationals intending to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University, citing national security as the primary reason. The restriction may be extended beyond the initial period.
According to Trump’s proclamation, the decision aims to address alleged concerns over Harvard’s foreign affiliations and campus security. The directive also instructs the U.S. State Department to consider revoking the visas of current Harvard students who fall under the criteria outlined in the proclamation.
In response, Harvard criticized the move as a retaliatory and unlawful act that violates its First Amendment rights. The university reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its international student body.
This suspension follows a legal battle in which a federal judge in Boston signaled plans to issue an injunction preventing the federal government from stripping Harvard of its ability to enroll international students. Roughly one-fourth of Harvard’s students come from abroad.
Tensions between the university and the Trump administration have escalated in recent weeks. The administration has frozen billions in funding, proposed ending Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and accused the institution of resisting federal influence over its governance and academic direction.
The dispute intensified after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on May 22 the immediate revocation of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. That decision was quickly blocked by a federal judge, after which the department opted to pursue a longer administrative challenge to the university’s certification.
Despite this change in strategy, the judge stated her intention to issue a preliminary injunction to protect Harvard’s international students in the meantime.
An internal State Department cable issued after the court hearing ordered embassies and consulates worldwide to implement enhanced screening procedures for all individuals seeking to travel to Harvard for any reason.
Trump’s directive claimed that Harvard maintains troubling ties with foreign adversaries, including China, and alleged that the university had failed to address rising campus crime and provide adequate information on foreign students involved in illegal or dangerous activities.
