In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the White House and elite academic institutions, the United States government has suspended all student visa processing in the wake of mounting protests at Harvard University. The decision, ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, marks a significant clampdown on international students in the country.
According to an internal directive obtained by AFP, embassies and consulates were instructed not to schedule any new appointments for student or exchange visas until further notice. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to tighten immigration controls and penalize schools seen as resistant to his administration’s influence.
Harvard in the Crosshairs
The latest crackdown comes as Harvard students rally against Trump’s sweeping measures to defund and disenfranchise the Ivy League institution. On Tuesday, hundreds gathered in protest following the administration’s announcement to terminate all federal financial contracts with Harvard, a blow estimated at $100 million.
The revocation of Harvard’s accreditation to sponsor foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program has left many in limbo. Protesters chanted, “Who belongs in class today? Let them stay,” and brandished signs reading “Trump = Traitor.”
A restraining order was issued by a judge, temporarily halting the visa-related measures ahead of a scheduled court hearing on Thursday—the same day Harvard is set to hold its graduation ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Trump’s ‘War on Academia’
The Trump administration has accused student protesters of aligning with Palestinian militant group Hamas and justifying visa revocations and deportations as part of a national security initiative. In response, the White House announced plans to scrutinize international applicants’ social media profiles more rigorously.
Karoline Leavitt, a White House spokesperson, defended the administration’s actions in a Fox News appearance, stating:
“The president is more interested in giving taxpayer money to trade schools and state colleges that promote American values—not elite institutions producing LGBTQ graduate majors.”
She emphasized a shift in federal funding priorities towards vocational training for plumbers and electricians, signaling a broader cultural battle against what Trump has described as “radicalized” campuses.
Students Speak Out
“All my international friends, peers, professors, and researchers are now under threat of deportation—or forced to transfer,” said protester Alice Goyer, draped in her graduation gown. Another student, Jack, a British national graduating with a degree in the history of medicine, expressed hesitation about pursuing further studies in the U.S.
“Six years is a long time for a PhD. With the current climate, I’m not sure it’s worth it.”
Legal Firestorm Brewing
Harvard has launched multiple lawsuits challenging the administration’s actions, arguing they are unconstitutional and discriminatory. Legal experts believe the university has a strong case and that federal courts may ultimately strike down the government’s measures.
Albany Law School professor Ray Brescia said,
“The case is so strong that the court system is unlikely to stand by and allow this overreach to continue.”
Meanwhile, a coalition of Harvard alumni under the group Crimson Courage has announced plans to file an additional lawsuit against Trump on June 9.
Chilling Effect on U.S. Higher Education
This sweeping move against Harvard is part of a larger trend. In recent weeks, billions in federal grants and millions in contracts have been frozen or revoked from institutions accused of promoting liberal ideologies and anti-Semitism.
With 27% of Harvard’s student body comprising international students, the administration’s actions threaten to reshape the academic landscape, diminishing the global appeal of American universities.
The Trump administration remains defiant. On Monday, the former president doubled down, calling international students “radicalized lunatics and troublemakers.”
As the legal and political battle unfolds, the future of international education in the U.S. hangs in the balance.
