The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has issued a proclamation restricting the entry of foreign nationals into the United States for study or exchange programs at Harvard University. This decision stems from concerns over national security and compliance with federal laws.
According to the proclamation, "admission into the United States to attend, conduct research, or teach at our Nation’s institutions of higher education is a privilege granted by our Government, not a guarantee." The Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) relies on academic institutions' adherence to regulatory frameworks for national security reasons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has raised alarms about foreign adversaries exploiting American higher education systems to gather technical information and further their own ambitions.
President Trump emphasized that "protecting our national security requires host institutions of foreign students to provide sufficient information, when asked," to address misconduct by foreign students. Harvard University has been accused of failing in this regard, with crime rates reportedly rising on campus and inadequate reporting on disciplinary actions against foreign students.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently requested data from Harvard concerning illegal activities by foreign students. However, Harvard's response was deemed insufficient. "Harvard provided data on misconduct by only three students," which was not enough for DHS to evaluate potential further actions.
Furthermore, the proclamation highlights Harvard's extensive financial ties with foreign governments, including significant contributions from China. According to reports from The Harvard Crimson and a probe by the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, these ties have led to partnerships that could aid China's military modernization.
The proclamation also addresses civil rights issues at Harvard, referencing multiple federal investigations into discriminatory practices in admissions processes. Despite a Supreme Court decision against such practices bearing Harvard's name, concerns persist regarding equal opportunities for American students versus those from non-egalitarian nations.
Based on these factors, President Trump has determined it necessary to restrict entry under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The suspension applies specifically to nonimmigrants seeking study or exchange visitor programs at Harvard University under certain visa categories. Exceptions may be made if deemed in the national interest by relevant authorities.
The operational implementation involves coordination among the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Secretary of Homeland Security. They will consider imposing limitations on Harvard University's participation in SEVP and related systems unless it aligns with national interests.
This measure reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that educational exchanges do not compromise U.S. security interests while maintaining legal obligations and integrity within student visa systems.
