Trump government launches probe into Harvard's eligibility for visa programs
The United States State Department, under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Trump administration, has initiated an investigation into Harvard University's eligibility to sponsor the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. This program allows foreign students, professors, researchers, and interns to come to the U.S. for educational and cultural exchange, with the expectation that they will return to their home countries after their stay[1][2][3][4].
The investigation focuses on whether Harvard is fully complying with the regulations required for sponsors, including not undermining U.S. foreign policy objectives or compromising national security interests. Rubio emphasized that sponsors must uphold national security, legal compliance, and safe environments for all students[1][3]. Harvard has been given a tight deadline to submit detailed university records related to its participation in the exchange visitor visa program, and interviews with university staff and visa holders may follow[1][3].
This move is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny by the Trump administration toward Harvard, following earlier actions such as the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to revoke Harvard's ability to participate in a separate visa program based on allegations regarding the treatment of Jewish students and alleged political sympathies[2]. However, the State Department’s current investigation does not specify particular allegations of wrongdoing, only that it is necessary to ensure compliance with national interests[3].
Harvard's J-1 exchange visa program is used for students and scholars in specific educational exchange programs like Fulbright, DAAD, and AmidEast, and Harvard had nearly 7,000 international students for the 2024-2025 academic year[2]. Harvard University has not yet publicly responded to the latest investigation.
In summary, the U.S. State Department's investigation concerns Harvard’s compliance and eligibility as a sponsor of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. It stems from concerns about national security and adherence to visa program regulations. Harvard was given a tight deadline to provide information, and interviews with university staff and visa holders may follow. This is at least the third aggressive government action targeting Harvard under the Trump administration. No specific allegations have been publicized regarding violations by Harvard in the Exchange Visitor Program[1][2][3][4].
To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine foreign policy objectives or compromise national security interests. The University is committed to continuing to comply with the applicable Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
- The investigation by the U.S. State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Trump administration, is focused on ensuring that Harvard University complies with regulations required for sponsors of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
- The scrutiny of Harvard by the Trump administration is part of a broader pattern, as the university has already faced actions such as the revocation of its ability to participate in a separate visa program, based on allegations regarding the treatment of Jewish students and political sympathies.
- To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors like Harvard must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine foreign policy objectives or compromise national security interests.
- Alongside educational-and-self-development and general-news, topics of war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and policy-and-legislation are also relevant, as these areas often intersect with the workings of governmental bodies and the conduct of institutions like universities.
