Harvard is under attack: Trump freezes visas for foreign students over ties to China
5 June 20:45
US President Donald Trump has signed a decree to temporarily suspend the issuance of visas to foreign students who intend to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University for six months. The document was published on the White House website , "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The decree also instructs the U.S. Secretary of State to consider canceling the existing visas of students currently enrolled at Harvard. After a six-month period, the order may be extended.
In his decision, Trump accuses the university of having “deep and disturbing ties” to foreign countries, especially the People’s Republic of China. According to the president, Harvard has allegedly hosted members of paramilitary structures affiliated with the Communist Party of China and has collaborated with researchers who could contribute to the modernization of Chinese military technology.
In addition, the decree accuses the university of “systematic violation of civil rights” of students and faculty, as well as discrimination against applicants who do not belong to the so-called “priority racial groups.”
In response, Harvard University called the president’s decision “yet another illegal step that violates the university’s rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution” and promised to continue to defend the rights of its international students.
What is known about the situation with Harvard?
- on June 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning the entry of new international students enrolled at Harvard University for six months.
- The document also instructs the State Department to consider revoking the current visas of students already enrolled at Harvard.
- The proclamation cites national security and accuses the university of having ties to China, including educational and research projects that could contribute to the modernization of the Chinese military.
- Harvard called the decree illegal and in violation of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. The university has announced its intention to defend its international students and challenge the decision in court.
- The move is part of a broader conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard, which includes a freeze on more than $2.6 billion in federal funding and threats to revoke the university’s tax exemptions.
- The decision has caused concern among international students, especially those from China, who make up a significant portion of Harvard’s student body.
Context:
This is not the first time the Trump administration has taken action against international students. In 2020, a rule was proposed that would prohibit students from staying in the United States if their courses were fully online. After lawsuits, including from Harvard and MIT, this rule was canceled.
University response:
Harvard strongly opposed the new proclamation, stating its intention to protect its students and academic freedom. The university emphasized that international students are an integral part of its community and research.
The temporary ban on foreign students at Harvard is part of the Trump administration’s broader policy of restricting immigration and tightening control over foreign influence in higher education. Harvard is preparing for a legal battle to defend its students’ rights and academic autonomy.
