On June 5, 2025, after an emergency request from Harvard University, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop the Trump administration from blocking visas for new international students coming to Harvard. International students make up about a quarter of Harvard’s student body.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly sent a cable ordering U.S. embassies and consulates to deny visa applications for Harvard international students after President Trump issued a related proclamation and fact sheet. The proclamation singled out Harvard due to national security concerns. The fact sheet states:
- The Proclamation suspends the entry into the United States of any new Harvard student as a nonimmigrant under F, M, or J visas.
- It directs the Secretary of State to consider revoking existing F, M, or J visas for current Harvard students who meet the Proclamation’s criteria.
- The Proclamation does not apply to aliens attending other U.S. universities through the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) and exempts aliens whose entry is deemed in the national interest.
