In compliance with a federal court order, the U.S. State Department has directed all embassies and consulates worldwide to resume processing student and exchange visitor visas for individuals affiliated with Harvard University. The move reverses a recent attempt by former President Donald Trump to block foreign students from entering the Ivy League institution.
The directive, sent via diplomatic cable on June 6 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, cites the temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs. The judge’s decision halts the enforcement of Trump’s proclamation, pending further legal proceedings.
Trump had argued that banning foreign students from Harvard was necessary to protect national security. However, the court found grounds to temporarily block the policy, allowing visa processing for Harvard students to continue.
The ruling comes amid growing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University. The administration has taken a series of actions against the school, including suspending federal grants and proposing to revoke its tax-exempt status, accusing Harvard of resisting federal influence over its governance and academic policies. The university contends these actions are politically motivated retaliation.
While the State Department has not publicly commented, the internal cable confirms that the visa processing policy for Harvard has been restored. Other visa regulations, including stringent checks on applicants’ social media and online activity, remain unchanged.
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