❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has opened an investigation into Harvard University’s use of international visas through the Exchange Visitor Program.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Harvard University, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs, and President Donald J. Trump.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation was announced on Wednesday, with ongoing legal proceedings in Boston federal court.
💬KEY QUOTE: “All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded.” – Secretary Rubio
🎯IMPACT: The investigation could affect Harvard’s ability to sponsor foreign students and scholars, with potential implications for federal funding and visa processing.
The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Harvard University’s use of international visas. Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, the probe will assess the university’s compliance with the Exchange Visitor Program (J-visa) and its eligibility to continue as a sponsor.
“[The State Department] is opening an investigation into Harvard’s authority to sponsor exchange visas,” Sec. Rubio wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Visa sponsorship is a privilege, and sponsors whose conduct tarnishes our nation’s interests will lose that privilege.”
Rubio stated the investigation aims to ensure that “State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests.”
“All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded,” Rubio said. He stressed that sponsors must ensure their activities do not undermine U.S. foreign policy or national security interests.
In response, a Harvard spokesman claimed the investigation is “yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.”
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem previously attempted to revoke Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), citing concerns over foreign students’ ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and accusations of fostering violence and anti-Semitism. Harvard challenged the decision in court, arguing the move jeopardized the education of over 7,000 international students. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs—a Barack Obama appointee—sided with Harvard, blocking the revocation while litigation continues.
President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential order in June directing the State Department to deny visas to students at institutions under federal investigation for national security or anti-Semitism concerns, explicitly naming Harvard. Despite this, Judge Burroughs ordered consular offices to process visas and allow Harvard students entry into the U.S.
Harvard is also contesting the administration’s decision to cut $2.6 billion in federal research funding, with a decision on the matter still pending.
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