On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of new international students to Harvard University for six months, citing national security concerns. The administration alleges that Harvard has failed to provide adequate information on foreign student misconduct and has ties to foreign governments, including China. This move affects students applying under F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa categories.
The suspension follows a series of escalating tensions between Harvard and the federal government. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanded that Harvard provide detailed records on international students' activities, particularly those related to protests and alleged misconduct. Harvard's refusal to comply with these demands led to the revocation of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for hosting international students.
In response to the suspension, Harvard has denounced the action as an illegal retaliation that violates its First Amendment rights. The university has vowed to protect its international students and is exploring legal avenues to challenge the proclamation. Approximately 7,000 international students, constituting about a quarter of Harvard's student body, could be affected by the suspension.
This development marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to tighten immigration policies and exert greater control over U.S. higher education institutions. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal challenges and further policy actions anticipated in the coming months
