On May 29, 2025, as Harvard University held its 374th commencement ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts, tensions between President Donald Trump and the university escalated sharply. This came after a federal judge temporarily blocked efforts to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.
President Trump stated on Wednesday that “the entry of these categories of foreigners harms U.S. interests,” asserting that Harvard’s actions have rendered it “an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers.” On the same day, he issued a travel ban affecting nationals from 19 countries, aiming to restrict foreign students’ access to Harvard.
Harvard condemned the move, calling it “an illegal retaliation that violates the university’s First Amendment rights.” The institution vowed to continue protecting its international students, who it described as essential to its academic mission and community. Harvard has not yet detailed its response strategy to the latest government action.
In recent developments, the U.S. State Department directed American embassies and consulates worldwide to intensify scrutiny of visa applicants bound for Harvard, with special focus on reviewing social media accounts amid concerns over antisemitism and terrorism. This followed a global suspension of new student visa interviews as authorities reevaluate the vetting process.
Harvard now faces additional threats, including potential federal funding cuts and challenges to its tax-exempt status. As one of several elite universities targeted by the Trump administration, Harvard could experience significant financial and reputational damage if the restrictions continue.
Details of the Directive
The order takes immediate effect, halting the entry of foreign nationals applying to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard. The administration will reassess the ban after 90 days; without extension, the ban will expire after six months.
The restriction applies specifically to students entering Harvard through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It does not affect international students enrolled at other U.S. universities via SEVP. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is charged with reviewing on a case-by-case basis whether to revoke visas (F, M, J categories) held by current Harvard international students.
Exemptions may be granted for individuals whose entry is deemed in the national interest, at the discretion of Secretary Rubio and the Department of Homeland Security.
Harvard currently enrolls nearly 7,000 international students, comprising more than 25% of its student body. Several universities globally have expressed willingness to admit students affected by these restrictions. The loss of international students poses a major financial risk, as many pay full tuition—up to $87,000 annually for undergraduates and $102,000 for graduate students.
Why Harvard?
The administration claims Harvard “is no longer a trustworthy administrator” of the international student and exchange visitor program. Concerns cited include a rise in campus crime rates, insufficient cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, entanglements with foreign governments—particularly China—and alleged civil rights violations.
The government accuses Harvard of failing to discipline certain campus violations and withholding critical information about “known illegal activities” involving foreign students.
Reports highlight that Harvard received over $150 million from foreign governments, more than any other Ivy League school, funds used for scholarships, education, and operational costs. A Republican-led congressional committee recently accused Harvard of hosting and training members of Chinese paramilitary organizations.
Additionally, the administration alleges Harvard “disregards the civil rights” of students and staff. It references a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that found race-based admissions policies unconstitutional, accusing Harvard of continuing to discriminate against disadvantaged racial groups while admitting students from countries hostile to the U.S. and its allies.
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