The White House announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump has signed an order temporarily suspending the issuance of international student visas to new Harvard University students. This move intensifies efforts to limit foreign nationals from enrolling at one of the United States’ most prestigious universities. The directive effectively blocks most new Harvard students holding non-immigrant visas—including F-1 student visas, M vocational visas, and J exchange visitor visas—from entering the U.S.
According to a White House statement, the measure aims to “protect national security” and accuses Harvard of failing to provide adequate information on its foreign student population. Officials criticized the university for incomplete reporting of student disciplinary records, stating Harvard “reported partial data on only three students,” suggesting a lack of proper oversight. The order will remain in effect for six months unless extended by presidential decree.
Federal Court’s Temporary Injunction Earlier Offered Harvard Some Protection
Just days before the announcement, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction preventing the Trump administration from indefinitely altering Harvard’s international student visa program. That ruling temporarily safeguarded approximately 27% of Harvard’s student body who are international students, but the president’s new order poses a renewed challenge to Harvard’s ability to admit foreign students.
Harvard has vehemently opposed the White House’s latest actions. A university spokesperson told CNN the move is “an unlawful retaliation” that infringes on Harvard’s First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. The school pledged to continue defending its international students and pursue legal recourse against the policy.
White House Alleges Security Risks and Criticizes Harvard’s Handling of Campus Anti-Semitism
The administration’s order accuses Harvard of ties to foreign influence and extremist activities, while highlighting the university’s failure to fully cooperate with national security information requests. The White House also censured Harvard and other Ivy League schools for not adequately addressing rising anti-Semitism on their campuses.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Education warned institutions that failure to protect Jewish students could result in serious consequences, including withdrawal of federal funding. The administration argues that Harvard’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies has failed to resolve campus racial and religious tensions, potentially exacerbating them.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Federal Funding Disputes Affect Harvard’s Academic and Financial Stability
This order represents the latest move in the Trump administration’s ongoing pressure campaign against Harvard. Government officials have threatened to freeze or cut billions of dollars in federal funding. Harvard has filed lawsuits accusing the administration of illegally withholding funds as ideological retaliation.
In response, the White House announced a review of all Harvard’s contracts and grants, recently directing agencies to cancel remaining government contracts worth about $100 million. Some Harvard faculty members worry that a decline in international student enrollment could weaken the university’s—and by extension, U.S. higher education’s—academic strength and competitiveness.
Decline in International Students Could Strain Harvard and U.S. Universities’ Finances
Harvard reports that during the 2024–2025 academic year, it enrolled 6,793 international students, with a total of 9,970 international academic personnel. International students often pay full tuition because most are ineligible for federal financial aid, providing a crucial revenue stream for the university.
Data from the Institute of International Education indicates more than 75% of international students finance their education through personal funds, family support, or employment, while fewer than 20% rely on financial aid from U.S. institutions. Experts warn that a reduction in international students could lead to significant financial pressures on American universities, potentially affecting the quality of education and research output.
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