President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation suspending entry for all foreign students seeking to study at Harvard University for at least six months. The White House justified the move as necessary to protect national security, claiming Harvard’s alleged ties to foreign governments and failure to report student misconduct posed a threat.
Harvard immediately condemned the order as “illegal retaliation” and vowed to defend its international students. The policy also threatens existing visas for current enrollees and halts exchange programs, escalating a legal battle between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution.
In the proclamation, Trump accused Harvard of “flouting civil rights” and maintaining “extensive foreign entanglements,” though the White House provided no specific evidence. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Harvard submitted “deficient data” on just three students’ activities, a charge the university disputes.
The order follows a federal judge’s ruling last week blocking DHS from barring international students at Harvard. Another judge upheld the freeze, allowing current enrollees to remain while litigation continues. Legal experts warn the new proclamation could face similar challenges, as it bypasses pending court decisions.
Harvard’s Reacts, Claims “Unlawful Overreach”
Harvard denounced the suspension as a “violation of First Amendment rights” and pledged to fight it in court. The university, which hosts nearly 7,000 international students (27% of its student body), emphasized its commitment to global education despite White House pressure.
The Harvard visa freeze is part of a wider campaign against elite institutions. Earlier Wednesday, the White House threatened Columbia University’s accreditation over alleged civil rights violations tied to Gaza protests. Since April, the administration has frozen federal funding to Harvard, accusing it of tolerating antisemitism—a claim the university denies.
Why It Matters
The policy intensifies scrutiny of Chinese students after Trump recently vowed to “aggressively revoke” their visas. At Harvard’s graduation last week, a Chinese student called for unity, reflecting anxieties over rising xenophobia.
With the suspension renewable after six months, thousands of students face uncertainty. At this point, prolonged legal battles, while universities brace for further restrictions is expected.
