The United States has suspended the processing of student visas in a move that intensifies the Trump administration’s growing confrontation with foreign students and elite institutions, particularly Harvard University.
The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructs American embassies and consulates to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visas until further instructions are given.
This suspension comes amid increasing action from the White House against foreign students, especially those participating in demonstrations against the conflict in Gaza.
The administration alleged that some of these students support Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the U.S. government.
Hundreds of student visas have already been revoked, and new restrictions are being imposed, including efforts to block Harvard from enrolling non-American students.
The crackdown follows a major protest at Harvard, where students gathered to oppose the federal government’s decision to cut all remaining financial agreements with the university.
These contracts, reportedly valued at around $100 million, are part of what many see as a broader push by President Trump to force the institution to submit to increased government control over its academic and administrative decisions.
Protesters carried signs critical of the administration and voiced support for international students who now face the possibility of deportation following the revocation of Harvard’s authorization to sponsor foreign learners through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
A court has temporarily paused the visa suspension until a hearing scheduled for Thursday, the same day as Harvard’s graduation ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to defend its policies, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating during a Fox News interview that federal funding should prioritise vocational and state schools that promote traditional American values.
She criticised Harvard for offering programs she described as “LGBTQ graduate majors,” arguing the focus should be on producing workers with practical skills for the job market.
As the protest took place, graduating students and their families were seen on campus, some expressing concern about the impact of the new policies.
Alice Goyer, a student in academic regalia, said many of her international classmates and mentors were suddenly at risk of losing their immigration status or being forced to transfer to other institutions.
Another student, Jack from the UK, who is completing his studies in the history of medicine, said the uncertainty caused by the crackdown would discourage him from considering further studies in the U.S.
In response to the mounting pressure, Harvard has initiated legal proceedings to challenge both the stripping of its visa sponsorship rights and the cancellation of government contracts. Legal analysts believe the university has a strong case, with Albany Law School professor Ray Brescia arguing that the courts are unlikely to allow such drastic measures to go unchecked.
He suggested that if the administration appeals any court decision, a higher court may well reject the policies.
In addition to Harvard’s legal action, a group of alumni is also preparing to take the matter to court.
Anurima Bhargava, a filmmaker and member of the alumni network Crimson Courage, announced during a virtual gathering that the group plans to file a lawsuit against Trump on June 9.
The meeting was aimed at raising awareness and generating financial support to oppose the administration’s actions.
This latest step is part of a wider offensive by Trump against institutions he accuses of harbouring liberal agendas and fostering anti-American sentiment.
Harvard, which counts foreign nationals among more than a quarter of its student population, has become a particular target.
Over the past few weeks, billions in research grants have been frozen and numerous federal contracts abruptly terminated as part of the administration’s campaign.
Despite legal challenges and public criticism, Trump remains steadfast in his approach.
Speaking recently, he described international students at Harvard as “radicalised and disruptive,” and vowed to continue pursuing his goal of reshaping the country’s education system by prioritising domestic values and practical skill development over what he sees as ideological indoctrination in elite universities.