Trump Tightens Screw on Harvard, Set to Bar Foreign Students for Six Months
Trump intends to bar entry to international students from Harvard University.
In an unexpected move, US President Donald Trump is gunning for Harvard University - a global academic powerhouse that's been found fiercely resistant to his administration's directives. The latest strategy? A six-month ban on almost all foreign nationals planning to study at Harvard.
This entry ban is apparently aimed at foreign students and researchers who seek entry exclusively or primarily to study at Harvard or participate in an exchange program organized by the university. The ban, however, does not affect individuals whose entry is deemed in the national interest.
Stirring Latest: Potential Brain Drain Across Universities?
The US Department of State is also directed to review the visas of foreign nationals currently studying at Harvard. The ban's justification? Harvard's allegedly uncooperative stance in providing the government-required information necessary for national security. Until Harvard agrees to share this vital information, foreign nationals intent on educational exchange with the university will reportedly be locked out.
Old News, New Conflict
The US administration's intent to block international students attending Harvard has been public knowledge for some time now. Almost two weeks ago, the Department of Homeland Security announced correspondent measures. The plan? Harvard would no longer be able to accept new foreign students as part of a special federal program.
However, a preliminary injunction by a US federal judge keeps the administration from banning Harvard from accepting international students for the time being. This, it must be noted, is not yet the final ruling.
The US government accuses universities like Harvard of harboring a liberal political stance and being lax on addressing anti-Semitism. Unlike other institutions, Harvard has resistively rebuffed far-reaching political directives from Washington.
Enrichment Data
Having said that, it's essential to highlight some context around the growing friction between Trump's administration and Harvard. According to a presidential proclamation made on June 5, 2025, there are targeted restrictions on foreign students and exchange visitors, specifically those intending to study at Harvard. These restrictions derive from sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorize the President to suspend entry of any class of aliens deemed harmful to the interests of the United States. The document explicitly states that foreign nationals seeking entry "[for the purpose] of participating in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University" will now be restricted until Harvard complies with the federal government's information requests for national security purposes [1].
Currently, there seem to be no explicit legal challenges specific to this entry ban at Harvard mentioned in the available source [1].
[1] Source: ntv.de, gho/dpa
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In light of the ongoing disagreement between Harvard University and the Trump administration, the community policy has been further tightened to encompass a six-month ban on foreign nationals planning to engage in educational-and-self-development activities or exchange programs at Harvard. This move may lead to concerns about a potential brain drain across universities, fostering an environment that might stifle learning and general-news dissemination. The latest development also raises questions about the freedom of movement and freedom to provide services for these individuals, as well as the freedom of movement for those participating in similar programs across the United States.
