President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping proclamation suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University, citing what the administration describes as serious national security concerns and the university’s failure to comply with federal law.
The White House announcement points to a series of alleged failures by Harvard University to fully cooperate with federal authorities, particularly regarding the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP).
According to the proclamation, Harvard refused to provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with sufficient information about foreign students’ criminal or dangerous activities, despite repeated requests.
The administration argues that this lack of transparency undermines the government’s ability to monitor and address potential threats posed by foreign nationals on student visas.
The proclamation also highlights rising crime rates at Harvard, alleged failures to discipline student misconduct, and what it calls “extensive entanglements” with foreign governments, including significant funding from China.
The administration claims that these factors, combined with Harvard’s purported noncompliance, make the university an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers.
Effective immediately, the order suspends and limits the entry of foreign nationals seeking to enrol in a course of study at Harvard University under F or M visas, or participate in exchange visitor programs at Harvard under J visas.
The suspension will last for six months, subject to extension. Current Harvard students in the U.S. on these visas may also have their visas reviewed and potentially revoked at the discretion of the Secretary of State.
