On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation titled “Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University,” ordering the suspension of entry into the United States for foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University under F, M, or J visas.
This new policy follows a separate proclamation issued on the same day regarding a full entry ban for 12 countries and partial restrictions for 7 others. Together, these actions mark a sharp expansion in the Trump Administration’s efforts to limit foreign presence in United States institutions of higher education.
Who is Affected:
- Foreign nationals outside the United States who enter or attempt to enter the United States to begin attending Harvard University through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) after June 4, 2025 using:
-
F or M student visas
-
J exchange visitor visas
-
- The proclamation also directs the Secretary of State to consider whether foreign nationals who currently attend Harvard University and are in the United States pursuant to F, M, or J visas and who otherwise meet the criteria described in this proclamation should have their visas revoked
Who is Not Affected:
-
Current visa holders already in the United States (though revocation is under consideration)
-
Students attending any other United States university
-
Individuals whose entry is deemed in the national interest by DHS or State Department
Effective Date: June 5, 2025
- The suspension and limitation shall expire, absent extension, 6 months after the date of this proclamation
- A joint Department of Homeland Security – Department of Justice report on possible extension is due within 90 days
UPDATE:
According to media reports, on June 5, 2025, a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order blocking the implementation of this proclamation. In response, the State Department instructed all embassies and consulates to resume processing student and exchange visitor visas for Harvard applicants. The State Department added that all other guidance regarding student visas remains in effect, including enhanced social media vetting and the requirement to review applicants’ online presence. As of now, the Harvard-specific suspension is temporarily halted, but further legal developments are expected.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.