On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an order halting the processing of student and exchange visas at US embassies and consulates worldwide. This suspension is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten control over foreign students, including plans to increase scrutiny of applicants’ social media activities.
The administration has revoked hundreds of student visas and barred Harvard University from admitting international students, accusing some of supporting Hamas during protests related to the Gaza conflict. The White House is also canceling all remaining federal contracts with Harvard, a move estimated to cut $100 million in funding.
In response, hundreds of Harvard students protested, holding signs such as “Trump = traitor” and chanting support for international students whose legal status is threatened by the revocation of Harvard’s accreditation to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. A federal judge issued a restraining order pending a hearing scheduled for Thursday, the day of Harvard’s commencement.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s focus on vocational education, stating on Fox News, “The president is more interested in giving that taxpayer money to trade schools and programs. We need more of those in our country, and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University.”
Students like Alice Goyer, who attended the protest in academic regalia, expressed fears of deportation or forced transfers. Harvard has launched legal challenges against the administration’s actions and is supported by alumni planning lawsuits. Legal experts predict courts will likely overturn the administration’s measures.
President Trump has publicly accused foreign students at Harvard of being “radicalized lunatics, troublemakers,” continuing his campaign against universities he claims promote liberal bias and anti-Semitism.
