Trump blocks foreign student visas at Harvard

President Donald Trump suspended Harvard from the US student visa program on Wednesday, citing national security concerns. The six-month suspension blocks new international students and exchange visitors from entering the country to study at Harvard.

The White House proclamation claims the university failed to report “crimes committed by foreign students.” It maintains that Harvard has deep foreign ties, including financial links to China, which it calls a national security threat.

The suspension stems from Harvard’s refusal to comply with demands from the Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, which sought oversight over hiring, admissions and campus speech. 

In response, Trump also cut billions in federal research funds, threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and probed foreign donations.

The administration previously tried to revoke Harvard’s visa certification, but a court temporarily blocked that effort.

Harvard, where international students make up roughly 25% of the student body, says the move violates First Amendment rights. The State Department may also revoke visas of currently enrolled students.