Trump Bans Harvard’s International Students From Entering US

Topline

Officials from Harvard University on Wednesday night criticized President Donald Trump’s move to block the entry of its international students and researchers into the U.S. and revoke their visas, as the White House sought to reposition its fight to block the entry of the university’s international students into the U.S. as a national security issue.

President Donald Trump moved to bar Harvard’s international students from entering the U.S.

AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

In a proclamation signed on Wednesday night, the president suspended the entry into the U.S. of any new Harvard University student or researcher under the F, M, or J student and exchange visitor visas.

The president has also ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “consider revoking existing F, M, or J visas” for existing Harvard students.

The move does not impact international students attending other U.S. universities and will also not apply to Harvard students, “whose entry is deemed in the national interest.”

The White House’s announcement outlined multiple grievances with the university, including allegations of foreign adversaries taking advantage of “easy access to American higher education” and Harvard’s refusal to share disciplinary records for foreign students.

The announcement said its stated issues have “ compelled the Federal government to conclude that Harvard University is no longer a trustworthy steward of international student and exchange visitor programs.”

How Has Harvard University Reacted To The Move?

In a statement issued to multiple outlets, Harvard University spokesperson Jason Newton said: “This is 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.”

Crucial Quote

In a post on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote: “Admission to the United States to study at an ‘elite’ American university is a privilege, not a right. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the President’s proclamation suspending the entry of new foreign students at Harvard University based on national security concerns.”

Big Number

6,793. That is the total number of international students enrolled at Harvard in the 2024-25 academic year, according to the university. This makes up around 27% of the university’s student population.

Key Background

Wednesday’s proclamation is his latest escalation in an ongoing feud between the Trump administration and Harvard. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced she was revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, preventing it from enrolling international students. While announcing the move, DHS said existing Harvard students needed to transfer to another school or lose their legal status. Noem also gave Harvard a 72-hour deadline to comply with a list of demands which included sharing all international students’ disciplinary records along with audio or video footage of any illegal, dangerous or violent activity, by any of them enrolled at the university in the last five years. This move, however, was blocked by a federal judge after the university filed a suit accusing the Trump administration of violating its First Amendment rights.