The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has announced the suspension of student visa processing, marking a significant move against foreign students in the country. This decision is part of the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on international students, particularly those protesting the war in Gaza, with accusations of supporting Hamas.
Rubio has rescinded numerous visas and barred Harvard University from admitting non-American students. A recent cable instructs embassies and consulates to halt all new student and exchange visa appointments until further notice. Additionally, the government plans to increase scrutiny of social media profiles for international applicants.
This announcement coincided with protests at Harvard, where hundreds of students rallied against the government’s threats to cancel financial contracts worth an estimated $100 million. Students displayed signs with messages like “Trump = traitor” and chanted about the rights of international students facing deportation.
Alice Goyer, a protester in an academic gown, expressed concern for her international peers, emphasizing the risk of deportation or the need to transfer to other universities. A British student, Jack, reflected on how these policies could deter future international students from pursuing PhDs in the U.S.
Harvard has filed legal challenges against these measures, which experts believe may be overturned in court. Alumni are also preparing to file a lawsuit against Trump, highlighting the growing resistance against his administration’s actions.
The administration continues to push for funding to be redirected toward vocational schools, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stating that taxpayer money should support programs that promote American values rather than liberal arts programs.
As Harvard faces significant financial repercussions and legal battles, the university’s leadership remains determined to fight back against what they see as an unjust attack on academic freedom and international collaboration.
