US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday directed American embassies and consulates to pause student visa processing, sparking fresh concern among international students, especially those attending or seeking to attend Harvard University.
The move is part of a push by the Trump administration to tighten control over foreign student access to American education.
The decision came amid ongoing protests at Harvard University, where students have gathered to oppose the administration’s latest measures. These include plans to revoke Harvard’s ability to host international students and to terminate all federal contracts with the institution — moves that could cost the university more than $100 million.
According to a government cable signed by Rubio, officials abroad have been instructed to block any new student or exchange visa appointments “until further guidance is issued.” In addition, the administration has ordered closer inspection of the social media accounts of all foreign applicants to American universities.
The White House claims that some of the student protesters support extremist groups, citing demonstrations related to the Gaza conflict. This claim has led to visa cancellations and even deportations of students involved in these protests.
On Tuesday, hundreds of Harvard students rallied in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Protesters held signs like “Trump = traitor” and chanted messages in support of international students. The atmosphere was tense but peaceful, with graduation ceremonies scheduled for later in the week drawing families and friends to campus.
One student, Alice Goyer, shared her concerns: “All my international friends and peers and professors and researchers are at risk and (are) threatened with being deported — or their option is to transfer.”
Another graduating student, a British citizen named Jack, questioned the future appeal of studying in the United States. “I don’t know if I’d pursue a PhD here, six years is a long time,” he said.
In response to the administration’s actions, Harvard has launched several legal battles, arguing that the measures are unconstitutional and harmful to academic freedom. Legal experts believe the courts may side with Harvard. “The case is so strong that the court system is not going to step to the side and allow this… to go forward,” said Ray Brescia, a professor at Albany Law School.
Meanwhile, alumni have also pledged support. Filmmaker Anurima Bhargava told an online gathering of Harvard graduates that a lawsuit against Trump would be filed in early June.
The Trump administration continues to argue that public funds should be redirected to vocational and trade schools. “We need more of those in our country, and less LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University,” said Karoline Leavitt during a Tuesday night appearance on Fox News.
