Trump Halts Foreign Student Visas at Harvard, Sparking Controversy

Tue Oct 21 2025 13:39:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Trump has suspended foreign student visas at Harvard for six months, citing national security concerns, but the university stands firm against the decision.

In a recent proclamation, President Trump announced a six-month suspension of entry for foreign students at Harvard University, arguing it poses a risk to national security. Harvard has labeled the decision "retaliatory" and plans to protect its international student community amidst ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration.

In a shocking move, President Trump has put a six-month hold on foreign student visas at Harvard University, citing "national security" concerns. This proclamation, issued on Wednesday, states that allowing international students at the prestigious institution is "detrimental" to U.S. interests.

Harvard has pushed back, calling the order "retaliatory" and vowing to protect its global student body. Trump's recent decision escalates a legal contention between his administration and the university, stemming from Harvard's April refusal to comply with White House demands.

This action follows a previous ruling that blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from banning international students from Harvard. The President's declaration claims the university has formed "extensive entanglements" with foreign nations and accused it of neglecting the civil rights of its students and faculty.

In addition to suspending visas for new international students, Trump directed the Secretary of State to evaluate the possibility of revoking existing visas of those currently enrolled. The administration argues that Harvard has failed to share adequate information regarding "illegal or dangerous activities" by foreign students.

Despite this, Harvard's leadership has denounced the move as unconstitutional, claiming it violates their First Amendment rights. The university has been embroiled in disputes with the Trump administration, including the freezing of billions in federal funding and accusations of antisemitism on campus.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, nearly 7,000 foreign students were enrolled at Harvard, making up 27% of its student population. These students now face an uncertain future as the legal tussle continues. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's campaign against higher education institutions for their stances on various political issues intensifies, suggesting prolonged implications for international students across the U.S.