Thursday, July 24, 2025 - The U.S. State Department has opened an investigation into Harvard University’s eligibility to continue sponsoring participants in the Exchange Visitor Program, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday.
The move marks the latest escalation in the Trump
administration’s ongoing conflict with the Ivy League institution.
Rubio said the investigation aims to ensure that State
Department programs “do not run contrary to our nation’s interests,” though
further details were not provided.
In May, the administration revoked Harvard’s Student and
Exchange Visitor Program status, but that decision was temporarily blocked by
federal Judge Allison Burroughs. Now, the renewed inquiry targets individuals
at Harvard on J-1 visas—used for foreign professors, researchers, specialists,
and students.
“All sponsors must comply with exchange visitor regulations,
including transparency in reporting and a demonstrated commitment to cultural
exchange and mutual understanding,” Rubio said. He added that any failure to do
so could compromise U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.
The administration has previously accused Harvard of failing
to provide required information about its international students and cited
concerns over antisemitism on campus. In April, it moved to block the
university from receiving $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in
contracts over related policy disputes involving admissions, campus conduct,
and diversity initiatives.
Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton responded by calling the
investigation a retaliatory move that violates the university’s First Amendment
rights. “Harvard continues to enroll and support international scholars and
will assist them as they apply for visas and travel to campus,” he said,
affirming the school’s commitment to comply with federal regulations.
In a broader push for stricter oversight, the State
Department has also directed embassies to increase scrutiny of visa applicants,
urging staff to check for “hostile attitudes” toward U.S. culture and
institutions. Applicants are now being asked to make their social media
profiles public for enhanced vetting.
Harvard has argued in court filings that it has fulfilled
all legal requirements, including providing necessary student information and
addressing antisemitism concerns. Separate legal battle over frozen federal
funds is still ongoing, with Judge Burroughs expected to issue a ruling in the
coming weeks.
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