On June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation suspending the entry of international students planning to study at Harvard University for an initial six-month period. The directive also instructs the U.S. State Department to consider revoking visas of currently enrolled international students at Harvard who meet specific criteria.
🇺🇸 The Trump administration has cited national security concerns, alleging that Harvard maintains ties with certain foreign entities that could pose risks to the United States. The proclamation primarily affects new applicants under F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa categories, disrupting both academic admissions and exchange programs.
🎓 Harvard University responded strongly, labeling the move “yet another illegal retaliatory step” that violates its First Amendment rights. The university has vowed to support its international students and is exploring legal avenues to challenge the directive.
🌐 The policy has left thousands of aspiring students across the globe in limbo, jeopardizing years of academic planning and raising serious concerns about the future of international education in the U.S.
🏆 Despite political headwinds, Harvard remains a global academic powerhouse, ranked #3 worldwide in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and international impact.
🔗 Full story via Economic Times
