ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation suspending, for an initial six months, the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. The move escalates an ongoing dispute between the federal government and the Ivy League institution.
National Security Cited as Justification
The directive, signed Wednesday, cites national security concerns as the basis for the suspension, alleging Harvard’s “foreign ties and radicalism” and its “extensive entanglements with foreign adversaries,” including China.
“The FBI has long warned that foreign adversaries take advantage of easy access to American higher education to steal information, exploit research and development, and spread false information,” the proclamation states.
The administration also accused Harvard of failing to sufficiently report illegal or dangerous activities by foreign students and noted a reported “drastic rise in crime” on campus, which it claims has gone undisciplined in some cases.
Harvard Pushes Back
In response, Harvard University condemned the move, calling it “yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.”
“Harvard will continue to protect its international students,” the university said in a statement issued shortly after the announcement.
International students comprise approximately 25% of Harvard’s student population.
Visa Revocations Under Review
The proclamation not only restricts new entries but also directs the U.S. State Department to consider revoking existing academic and exchange visas for current Harvard students who fall under the new criteria.
An internal cable obtained by Reuters revealed that U.S. consular offices worldwide were instructed to enhance vetting procedures for any applicants intending to travel to Harvard for academic or other purposes.
Legal Battle and Broader Crackdown
This latest action follows weeks of legal and political conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard. The Department of Homeland Security had previously attempted to revoke the university’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program—a move blocked by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs.
Though DHS later said it would pursue the matter through an administrative process, Judge Burroughs indicated she would proceed with a preliminary injunction to protect Harvard’s international students.
The administration has also proposed revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status and freezing federal funds, which the university claims is part of a broader campaign to control its governance, curriculum, and institutional autonomy.
Background of the Conflict
Tensions escalated following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s announcement on May 22 to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification. Harvard immediately filed suit, arguing the action was unlawful and politically motivated.
Though temporarily blocked in court, the case remains active as the government continues to challenge the university’s certification and expand scrutiny of foreign students.
