The U.S. State Department has suspended the processing of student and exchange visas following a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, escalating tensions between the Trump administration and higher education institutions, particularly Harvard University.
This move is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students, particularly those protesting the war in Gaza.
The White House has accused some students of supporting Hamas and has begun revoking visas and ordering deportations.
In a confidential cable obtained by AFP, Rubio directed embassies and consulates to halt all new student visa appointments until further notice. The administration also plans to increase scrutiny of international student applicants by reviewing their social media profiles.
The decision comes as Harvard students protest the federal government’s intent to sever all remaining financial ties with the university—estimated to be worth $100 million.
Trump has accused the institution of resisting federal oversight on its curriculum, admissions, and research practices.
Students gathered on campus, holding signs and chanting in defense of international students affected by the administration’s actions, which include revoking Harvard’s certification to enroll foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, with a hearing set for Thursday—the same day as Harvard’s graduation ceremony.
The White House has defended the move as a redirection of public funds toward vocational education.
“The president wants taxpayer money to go to trade schools and programs that reflect American values and workforce needs,” said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Fox News.
She criticized liberal arts programs at elite institutions, particularly those related to gender and identity studies.
Graduating students expressed concern about the future of U.S. higher education for international scholars.
“All my international friends and professors are at risk of deportation,” said Alice Goyer, a protester in academic regalia.
Legal experts say Harvard’s lawsuits against the administration’s measures have a strong chance of success. The university is already challenging the loss of federal grants and contracts and the revocation of its right to sponsor international students—who make up 27% of its student body.
A group of alumni plans to file an additional lawsuit in June, according to filmmaker and alumna Anurima Bhargava, who spoke at a virtual meeting organized by the grassroots group Crimson Courage.
The Trump administration maintains that its policies are intended to curb anti-American sentiment and foreign influence in U.S. institutions.
On Monday, Trump claimed foreign students at Harvard include “radicalized lunatics, troublemakers,” vowing to press forward with his campaign despite legal pushback.