U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a six-month suspension on the entry of foreign students enrolling in Harvard University, citing national security concerns and alleged ties between the institution and foreign governments. The restriction, issued through a presidential proclamation, also affects participants in Harvard-hosted academic exchange programmes and could be extended beyond the initial period.
Trump described Harvard’s alleged conduct as “detrimental to U.S. interests,” accusing the Ivy League university of failing to cooperate with federal agencies and undermining civil rights on campus. “Considering these facts, I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University,” the proclamation read.
The order directs the Secretary of State to consider revoking existing visas of international students currently enrolled at Harvard. It also bars new entries under study and exchange programmes, intensifying a broader clash between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions.
This latest action follows months of legal disputes between the White House and Harvard. In April, the university declined to comply with federal requests for student data, prompting a series of government responses, including an attempted ban on foreign student presence that was blocked by a federal judge. That judge reaffirmed the injunction last week, granting temporary protections to international students while litigation continues.
In a statement following the announcement, Harvard condemned the decision as “yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights,” adding that the university would pursue all legal options to defend its students. “We remain committed to supporting our international community against unjust political interference,” a spokesperson said.
White House officials defended the move on security grounds, accusing Harvard of failing to report foreign student threats and submitting insufficient information to the Department of Homeland Security. Administration sources allege the university provided flawed data involving only three students flagged for illegal or dangerous activities.
The proclamation also comes amid broader efforts by Trump to increase federal oversight of academic institutions. Earlier on Wednesday, the administration threatened Columbia University with loss of accreditation over similar concerns. Trump has also pledged to curtail visas for Chinese students, citing fears of espionage and ideological infiltration.
The policy throws the futures of thousands of international students at Harvard into uncertainty. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the university enrolled nearly 7,000 foreign students, representing roughly 27% of its student population. Just last week, a Chinese student speaking at Harvard’s graduation called for unity and open dialogue, following Trump’s remarks about limiting Chinese visas.
Trump’s decision follows additional federal actions, including the freezing of federal funds to Harvard and an earlier attempt to revoke the school’s certification to admit international students. That effort was also blocked in court, but Wednesday’s proclamation signals the administration’s determination to pursue alternative paths.
The latest suspension is expected to face immediate legal challenges from Harvard and civil rights groups, deepening tensions between the federal government and higher education institutions over immigration, academic freedom, and free speech.
Nzubechukwu Eze
