Trump issues 6 month suspension of F/M/J visas for new Harvard students

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending the issuance of F, M, and J visas, effective immediately, for new international students intending to study at Harvard University, for a period of six months. The administration cites national security concerns, alleging that Harvard failed to adequately report or prevent crimes committed by foreign students and pointing to the university's financial ties with foreign entities, including China. This move escalates ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard, which has previously resisted federal demands for increased oversight.

The Harvard proclamation also directs the Secretary of State to consider whether any F, M, or J visa holders currently attending Harvard should have their visas revoked, and directs several agencies to review whether limitations should be imposed on the school’s participation in the SEVP system, which is required to enroll international students. Exceptions to the F, M, and J visa issuance ban can be made for foreign nationals whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretaries of State or Homeland Security. The process for exceptions has not yet been specified.