By Atoyebi Nike
The U.S. government has suspended student visa processing, targeting international students amid a deepening rift between the White House and top universities, including Harvard.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the order on Tuesday, directing embassies to halt all student and exchange visa appointments until further notice.
A cable obtained by AFP also confirmed plans to increase social media vetting for international applicants.
The move comes as the Trump administration escalates efforts to cut financial ties with Harvard University, accusing it of harboring anti-American values and links to pro-Palestinian protests.
President Donald Trump’s administration had earlier revoked hundreds of student visas. It also moved to strip Harvard of its right to admit non-American students by pulling its accreditation under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
On Tuesday, Harvard students staged mass protests in response to the cuts, which include a cancellation of federal contracts worth an estimated $100 million.
Chants of “Who belongs in class today? Let them stay” echoed across Harvard Yard as helicopters circled overhead and families gathered for graduation events.
A judge has issued a restraining order against the administration’s actions, with a hearing set for Thursday — the same day as Harvard’s commencement ceremony.
Alice Goyer, a protester in academic robes, said many international students and scholars face sudden deportation or the need to transfer schools.
“These policies are a threat to the entire academic community,” she said.
British postgraduate student Jack, who is graduating this week, said the situation may deter foreign students from choosing U.S. universities. “I don’t know if I’d do a PhD here now,” he added.
Harvard has launched legal challenges against the federal actions, arguing the measures are unlawful and politically motivated. Alumni also plan to sue Trump on June 9, according to filmmaker and activist Anurima Bhargava.
Trump’s administration defends the cuts, insisting public funds should go to trade schools and institutions that promote “American values.” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday, “We need more electricians and fewer LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard.”
Legal scholars argue that the crackdown is unlikely to survive court review. Professor Ray Brescia of Albany Law School said Harvard’s case is strong and predicted higher courts will overturn the actions.
Despite this, Trump has vowed to push forward, labeling some international students “radicalized lunatics and troublemakers.”
Harvard says 27% of its students are foreign nationals. The university continues to fight for the right to admit and support them.
