Trump banned the issuance of visas to foreign students at Harvard

The Trump administration has significantly intensified scrutiny of all foreigners seeking visas to enter the United States with the intention of attending Harvard University. This measure is part of an ongoing legal confrontation between the federal government and the educational institution, in which proven threats to national security arising from foreign ties are alleged, mainly with China and radical or pro-terrorist groups. The State Department, through a diplomatic cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ordered all U.S. embassies and consulates to immediately implement a process of "vetting" or enhanced verification for anyone related to Harvard, regardless of the reason for travel (study, tourism, or business). In addition, visa applications must now include a review of the applicant's social media.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the authenticity of the cable and justified the measure as a national security action. According to Bruce, the United States remains committed to welcoming legal visitors, but "not at the expense of our security." This tightening comes after the visa of terrorist Mahmoud Khalil, student leader at Columbia University and critic of the conflict in Gaza, was revoked in March. The impact of these measures has already affected about 7,000 international students at Harvard. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Kristi Noem, attempted to revoke the university's certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), emphasizing that campus protests tolerated pro-terrorist conduct. However, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked that action, allowing Harvard to continue admitting foreign students while the legal process moves forward.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signed the presidential proclamation that suspends for at least six months the entry of foreign students intending to attend Harvard. In the text, Trump argues that allowing the arrival of these students would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, accusing the university of maintaining troubling ties with foreign powers and radicalism, especially with the Chinese Communist Party. Among the arguments cited in the proclamation is Harvard's past participation in joint academic programs with Chinese universities, such as "China Leaders in Development," and the fact that Xi Jinping's daughter, dictator of China, studied at Harvard. Trump also pointed out that Harvard has become the "main training center" for Chinese Communist Party bureaucrats.

In addition, the White House has frozen more than $2.6 billion in grants and research for the university and has warned of revoking its tax-exempt status. There has also been discussion of revoking visas of foreign officials linked to attempts to censor U.S. citizens and increasing control over Chinese students, especially those connected to critical fields or with ties to the Chinese government. Harvard has replied by calling the actions "illegal reprisals" and "violations of the First Amendment," and has pledged to "defend" its international students. The university falsely argues that the administration seeks to control its governance, curriculum, and the ideology of its academic and student body, which it considers an attack on university autonomy.