On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on visas for foreign students planning to begin studies at Harvard University, intensifying his administration’s efforts to tighten controls on higher education.
Trump stated, “I have determined it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study at Harvard University or participate in its exchange visitor programs.” The ban takes effect immediately and applies to students entering through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
This move comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and academic institutions, with Harvard frequently targeted for resisting government demands on recruitment, curriculum, and research oversight.
Trump’s statement warned that current international students at Harvard may face visa reviews and possible revocations. The administration justified the ban as a national security measure, accusing Harvard of failing to provide adequate information about misconduct and criminal activities involving foreign students.
Furthermore, Trump accused Harvard of discriminating against American students by enrolling too many foreign students, which he claims limits opportunities for US citizens from non-preferred racial and religious groups.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also pledged aggressive action to revoke visas of Chinese students, highlighting a broader crackdown on foreign students.
Despite this, a judge recently extended a temporary block preventing Trump from stopping Harvard from enrolling international students, even as graduation season concluded.
