US president suspends foreign student visas at Harvard over “national security” concerns

US President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation suspending the entry of foreign students to Harvard University for an initial six-month period. The White House cited "national security" concerns and accused the university of entanglement with foreign governments and rights violations.

"Considering these facts, I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University," Trump said in the proclamation issued on June 4, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The directive halts new visas for international students intending to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard and instructs the Secretary of State to consider revoking the visas of currently enrolled foreign students. The suspension could be extended beyond six months.

The decision follows a legal standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard after the university resisted federal demands in April. A judge recently blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from banning international students at Harvard, but June 4 order threatens to sidestep that ruling.

The White House claimed Harvard had failed to provide adequate data on foreign students and reported “deficient data on only three students.” It also accused the university of “flouting the civil rights of its students and faculty.”

Harvard responded strongly, calling the measure “yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights”.

The proclamation escalates broader actions by Trump targeting US universities. Last month, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, though that move was swiftly blocked by a federal judge. Another ruling last week upheld the stay, allowing students to remain temporarily.

The order now casts uncertainty over the future of nearly 7,000 foreign students — 27 per cent of Harvard’s population — enrolled for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Last week, a Chinese Harvard student called for unity during commencement, days after Trump vowed to “aggressively” revoke visas for Chinese students.

By Vafa Guliyeva