On June 4, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation announcing new restrictions on Harvard University, accusing the institution of failing to cooperate with the federal government in providing security-related information about foreign students, which poses a risk to national security.
According to the proclamation, Harvard was specifically criticized for failing to respond adequately to multiple information requests from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding foreign students suspected of illegal or violent behavior.
While the federal government sought relevant data, Harvard reportedly provided only limited information on three students, which was deemed insufficient for DHS to assess the need for further action. Trump stated that this "lack of cooperation" undermines the federal government's ability to ensure that foreign students comply with US laws.
The proclamation also highlighted a significant rise in violent crime rates at Harvard in recent years, asserting that the university has failed to enforce effective disciplinary measures for certain violations. Given these circumstances, the federal government concluded that Harvard is no longer a trustworthy administrator for international student and exchange visitor programs.
As a result, Trump announced the following measures:
- Suspension or restriction of Harvard University's eligibility to participate in student and exchange visitor visa programs.
- Enhanced vetting of foreign students and scholars associated with Harvard, including stricter monitoring of their visa applications and activities in the US.
- Mandatory compliance by Harvard with all federal government information requests, ensuring timely provision of all necessary data related to foreign students.
The Trump administration emphasized that studying, researching, or teaching in the US is a privilege, not a right. Universities must fulfill their legal obligations to ensure that national security is not compromised.
Timeline of escalating tensions between Trump and Harvard
April:
- The Trump administration froze federal funding and contracts for Harvard, citing the university's refusal to accept "reform demands."
- On April 21, Harvard filed a lawsuit in federal court, accusing the government of interfering with academic decisions. A hearing was scheduled for July 21.
May:
- On May 22, DHS revoked Harvard's eligibility to host international students and exchange scholars, prohibiting the institution from enrolling new international students and requiring current students to transfer.
- On May 23, Harvard sued the federal government. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the ban until a hearing on May 29.
- On May 26, Trump demanded Harvard hand over data on international students and threatened to revoke US$3 billion in funding, reallocating it to vocational schools.
- On May 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered US embassies and consulates globally to suspend new student visa interviews, citing plans to intensify social media vetting for international students.
- On May 27, the Trump administration instructed federal agencies to sever ties with Harvard, potentially costing the institution US$100 million in contracts.
- On May 29, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the government from revoking Harvard's eligibility to enroll foreign students.
June:
- On June 2, Harvard requested a federal judge to issue a summary judgment, unfreezing US$2.5 billion in blocked federal funds.
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