Trump suspends foreign student entry to Harvard, over security threats

United States President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of all foreign students seeking admission into Harvard University.

He announced the ban in a presidential proclamation issued Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the White House.

Trump cited national security concerns and alleged ties between Harvard and unnamed foreign governments.

He called the Ivy League university a risk to U.S. interests.

The suspension will last six months but may be extended.

Trump also ordered a review of visas already issued to Harvard’s international students.

He directed the Secretary of State to consider canceling them.

Trump claimed Harvard has failed to report threats posed by some foreign nationals enrolled at the school.

“Harvard refuses to cooperate with federal investigations and has ignored national security warnings,” he stated.

He accused the school of flouting the civil rights of students and staff while harboring dangerous individuals.

“It is no longer in the interest of the United States to allow unchecked foreign access to this institution,” Trump added.

The proclamation bans foreign students from attending any academic program or exchange initiative affiliated with Harvard.

Trump claimed that the university provided insufficient data on foreign students involved in illegal activities.

He said Harvard submitted incomplete reports, identifying only three suspicious students despite intelligence suggesting broader threats.

This action escalates an ongoing legal dispute between Trump’s administration and Harvard.

In April, the Department of Homeland Security threatened to revoke the school’s ability to enroll international students.

A federal judge blocked that attempt, ruling it unlawful.

Last week, the same judge reaffirmed her decision, granting temporary protections to Harvard’s foreign students.

Harvard responded to Trump’s latest move with sharp condemnation. University officials described the order as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

“This is yet another illegal retaliatory step by the administration,” a university spokesperson said.

“We will use every legal tool to defend our students’ rights.”

The university emphasized its commitment to academic freedom and international inclusion.

“We will not abandon our foreign students in the face of intimidation,” the spokesperson added.

The decision has thrown the academic futures of nearly 7,000 international students into doubt.

Foreign students make up about 27 percent of Harvard’s total enrollment.

Observers fear the move could trigger widespread legal battles and impact U.S. higher education’s global reputation.

Trump’s order also follows threats against Columbia University over similar issues.

His administration recently accused several elite universities of failing to stop antisemitic acts and political extremism.

Earlier Wednesday, the administration hinted at revoking Columbia’s accreditation.

Trump has also targeted Chinese students, accusing them of espionage and ideological subversion.

During Harvard’s recent graduation ceremony, a Chinese student called for peace and mutual understanding. That speech came days after Trump vowed to restrict Chinese student visas.

The White House insists the ban on Harvard foreign students is a national security necessity.

Critics argue that Trump is weaponizing immigration and education policy to punish dissenting institutions.

For now, Harvard’s foreign students face an uncertain future.

Legal experts expect Harvard to file immediate court challenges.

The stakes are high as students, families, and universities await clarity.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook