In a significant move, President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to attend or participate in programs at Harvard University.
This decision is rooted in a series of concerns regarding the university’s compliance with federal laws and its commitment to national security.
The proclamation outlines that admission into the United States for educational purposes is a privilege, contingent upon the host institution’s adherence to federal regulations.
Harvard University, according to the President’s announcement, has failed in this regard in multiple respects.
The Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) relies heavily upon the integrity and transparency of academic institutions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that foreign adversaries exploit the system to access sensitive information, disrupt research, and manipulate public opinion.
Citing national security risks, the proclamation states that institutions must cooperate fully with federal inquiries into student misconduct.
Harvard University has been identified as not providing requested information regarding foreign students engaged in illegal or dangerous activities both on and off campus.
Despite requests from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Harvard reportedly submitted unsatisfactory data regarding only three students, raising serious doubts about the university’s diligence in managing its foreign student population.
The President expressed that this lack of cooperation not only compromises Harvard’s responsibilities but also endangers national security.
Moreover, the rising crime rates associated with Harvard’s foreign students, including violent crimes, have prompted alarm.
The administration concluded that these failures render Harvard an unsuitable institution for foreign students and researchers, justifying the restriction of entry into the United States.
Compounding these issues, the proclamation references Harvard’s substantial financial ties to foreign governments.
Over the past five years, the university has reportedly received over $150 million from foreign governments and more than a billion dollars from other foreign sources.
Particularly concerning are the substantial contributions from China, totaling over $150 million in the last decade.
The university has been criticized for hosting training sessions for organizations linked to the Chinese Communist Party, as well as for research collaborations with Chinese individuals that may enhance military capabilities.
Additionally, the proclamation addresses issues of civil rights violations at Harvard, especially regarding admission practices that have triggered federal investigations.
The Supreme Court recently struck down discriminatory admissions practices that particularly affected certain racial groups, highlighting ongoing concerns about equity in Harvard’s admissions processes.
The university has been accused of prioritizing students from countries that pose a direct threat to the United States, often at the expense of American students and their opportunities.
As outlined in the proclamation, the implications of these actions are significant, posing a threat to the integrity of the entire student visa system in the United States.
To address these challenges, the proclamation mandates a suspension of entry for all foreign students attempting to study at Harvard under specific visa categories.
Section 1 of the proclamation states that entry for foreign nationals as nonimmigrants pursuing studies at Harvard or participating in exchange programs hosted by the university is suspended.
This ban will remain in effect for six months unless extended.
Under Section 2, the proclamation clarifies that the suspension only applies to new incoming foreign students and not those already enrolled.
The Secretary of State retains discretion on assessing the case of current students regarding visa status.
Moreover, the suspension does not apply to foreign nationals attending other institutions or those whose entry serves the national interest, as determined by appropriate officials.
As outlined in Section 3, federal officials will coordinate actions necessary to enforce this proclamation and may pursue further limitations on Harvard’s participation in the SEVP.
The suspension’s impact on educational settings emphasizes the administration’s commitment to upholding laws designed to protect American interests.
The proclamation reaffirms that violations by institutions like Harvard will have broader consequences, compromising national safety and encouraging disregard for the rule of law.
In conclusion, the Trump Administration’s decision reflects a critical stance on foreign influence in American education and an emphasis on national security amid rising tensions with global adversaries.
This proclamation not only alters the landscape for international students considering Harvard but also sends a clear message regarding federal expectations for compliance and transparency from institutions of higher learning in the United States.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/enhancing-national-security-by-addressing-risks-at-harvard-university/
