The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has enacted a sweeping measure targeting Harvard University’s international student population. In a significant escalation of prior efforts, Trump signed a proclamation suspending the issuance of new F, M, and J visas—commonly used by international students and scholars—specifically for those enrolling at Harvard. This action also empowers the Secretary of State to consider revoking existing visas of Harvard’s current international students if they fall under the criteria outlined in the proclamation.

Harvard, where international students comprise roughly 27% of the total student body, is once again facing uncertainty. The move comes shortly after a federal judge blocked an earlier attempt by the Trump administration to limit foreign student enrollment at the university. Harvard has described the new policy as a retaliatory and unconstitutional step that violates the institution’s First Amendment rights.

The Trump administration has justified the proclamation on national security grounds, accusing Harvard of fostering radicalism, failing to report accurate disciplinary data, and inadequately addressing antisemitism on campus. Officials also criticized the university’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives, suggesting these values conflict with national interests.

However, the policy does include certain exceptions: students whose entry is deemed crucial to U.S. national interest are exempt, and the restriction does not extend to students attending other universities through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The suspension is initially set to last six months but may be extended pending a 90-day review by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

International backlash was swift, with China—one of the largest sources of international students in the U.S.—condemning the measure as politically motivated. The proclamation follows a legal battle over Harvard’s refusal to share student conduct records with the Department of Homeland Security, a decision that had already led to threats of funding cuts, revoked grants, and the freezing of billions in federal support.

The administration’s scrutiny of Harvard has grown increasingly aggressive, including efforts to challenge the university’s tax-exempt status and cancel existing federal contracts. Critics view the policy as part of a broader attempt to penalize higher education institutions for opposing the administration’s ideological agenda, particularly on issues such as diversity, antisemitism, and free expression.