WASHINGTON, May 28, 2025 – The Trump administration has temporarily halted all new student visa interviews, citing ongoing deliberations over implementing a mandatory social media vetting process for international students. Consequently, this move has sparked widespread concern among academic institutions, particularly elite universities like Harvard, which now find themselves in the political crosshairs.
Visa Freeze Raises Alarm in Academic Circles
According to a diplomatic cable reported by Politico, the United States government has paused all new student visa interviews. Moreover, officials are considering an additional layer of scrutiny involving applicants’ social media activity — a policy that could severely delay or deter international student admissions.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem escalated the administration’s stance by revoking Harvard University’s authorization to enroll foreign nationals. As a result, the decision endangered the academic futures of thousands of students and disrupted a significant revenue stream vital for the institution. However, a federal judge immediately suspended the order after Harvard filed a lawsuit claiming the decision was “arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and unconstitutional.” An injunction hearing is scheduled for Thursday, which could determine the fate of affected students and programs tied to the student visa system.
Harvard Pushes Back Against Federal Pressure
Harvard University has responded forcefully to the federal directives. President Alan Garber released a statement condemning the attempted ban on foreign students. He warned that it threatens the futures of scholars across the nation and undermines the credibility of American higher education. In addition, he asserted that the move challenges the core mission of US universities to provide open and inclusive learning environments.
The university argues that allowing political audits or enforcing ideological vetting would violate constitutional freedoms. Therefore, it believes such policies would severely limit Harvard’s global outreach and research excellence.
Federal Contracts in Jeopardy Amid Political Stand-Off
Meanwhile, in a further blow to Harvard, the Trump administration announced plans to sever all remaining financial contracts with the university. A senior official confirmed that federal agencies received orders to review and potentially cancel agreements with Harvard, which collectively amount to over \$100 million.
This measure follows allegations from the White House accusing the university of fostering anti-Semitism and pervasive liberal bias. As a result, federal grants remain frozen, placing Harvard’s research capabilities and global reputation at significant risk.
Trump’s social media rhetoric has only intensified the dispute. On Monday, he claimed that Harvard’s foreign students include “radicalized lunatics” and “troublemakers,” reinforcing the administration’s resolve to implement strict student visa regulations.
