Investigation Launched by Rubio into Harvard's Visa Practices, Alleged Reasons: Safeguarding National Security
As of July 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has opened an investigation into Harvard University's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), which issues J-1 visas to foreign students and researchers. The investigation focuses on Harvard's compliance with exchange visitor regulations, transparency, and commitment to the cultural exchange principles foundational to the program.
This inquiry comes amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard, including previous sanctions and allegations of antisemitism against the university. The administration has taken steps that could jeopardize Harvard's federal funding, including threats to revoke its tax-exempt status and findings that could lead to a loss of all federal funding, including student loans and grants.
The potential impact of this investigation on Harvard's eligibility for federal funding is significant. Should Harvard be found noncompliant and lose EVP sponsor status, it could further endanger its access to federal resources. This risk comes on top of already ongoing federal funding threats related to the antisemitism findings. The stakes are high for Harvard as these actions could deeply affect its ability to host international students and researchers and maintain critical funding streams from the federal government.
In May, a U.S. District Judge, Allison Burroughs, issued a preliminary injunction that more permanently blocked the revocation while litigation plays out. In response to the Trump administration's proclamation, Judge Burroughs ordered consular offices to continue processing visas and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to allow Harvard students entry into the U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the investigation, stating that it is to ensure compliance with exchange visitor regulations and to uphold the principles of cultural exchange. Rubio emphasized the importance of universities upholding national security, complying with the law, and providing safe environments for all students.
Harvard University has challenged the revocation in court, claiming it jeopardizes the educations of over 7,000 F-1 and J-1 visa holders and that the Trump administration is retaliating against the university for upholding its academic independence. In a related court case in May, the court sided with Harvard University on First Amendment grounds.
As the investigation unfolds, Harvard University will continue to appear in court to challenge the federal funding cuts and the EVP investigation. Protesters gathered outside the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston on Monday, July 21, 2025, as Harvard challenged $2.6 billion in funding cuts. A costumed man was observed walking toward protesters outside the courthouse.
Danielle Wallace, a breaking news and politics reporter at our website Digital, can be contacted at [email protected] and on Twitter @danimwallace for more updates on this developing story.
[1] Harvard University Challenges Trump Administration Funding Cuts in Court, The New York Times, July 21, 2025. [2] Harvard University Faces Investigation Over Visa Program Compliance, The Boston Globe, July 23, 2025. [3] Trump Administration Investigates Harvard University Over Visa Program Compliance, The Washington Post, July 23, 2025.
- Breaking news: Harvard University is facing an investigation by the U.S. Department of State over its participation in the Exchange Visitor Program, which could impact its federal funding, general-news.
- The ongoing investigation into Harvard University's compliance with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations comes amid wider tensions between the university and the Trump administration, politics.
- Amid seemingly never-ending issues with the Trump administration, Harvard University is also battling allegations of noncompliance with exchange visitor regulations, a matter that could affect its access to education-and-self-development opportunities, such as hosting international students and researchers, finance.
