The United States has suspended the processing of student visas following new orders from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, May 28, 2025.
The order comes as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its crackdown on foreign students, especially those studying at top universities like Harvard. This latest action also affects students involved in protests against the war in Gaza, who are being accused of supporting Hamas, a Palestinian militant group.
According to a cable signed by Rubio, US embassies and consulates have been directed not to process any new student or exchange visa applications until further notice.
The Trump administration has also revoked hundreds of existing visas and is planning stricter checks on the social media accounts of foreign students applying to US universities.
At the centre of this controversy is Harvard University, which has been resisting Trump’s efforts to take control of its curriculum, admissions, and research. As a result, the government is moving to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the school, estimated to be worth \$100 million.
This triggered a strong reaction from students on campus. Hundreds of them gathered to protest the government’s actions, holding signs that read, “Trump = traitor” and chanting, “Who belongs in class today? Let them stay.”
The government also recently removed Harvard from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which allows international students to study in the US. This means thousands of foreign students at the university could be forced to leave.
“I came out here because all my international friends, professors, and researchers are now at risk of being deported or forced to transfer to another school,” said Alice Goyer, one of the protesting students, who wore her graduation gown.
A British student named Jack, who is graduating this week, said he was reconsidering his plans to study further in the US. “I don’t know if I’d pursue a PhD here. Six years is a long time,” he said.
Meanwhile, a judge has issued a restraining order to delay the visa changes until a court hearing on Thursday—the same day as Harvard’s graduation ceremony.
At the same time, the White House defended its actions. Presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News, “The president wants taxpayer money to support trade schools and state universities that teach American values and give young people useful skills like plumbing and electrical work. We don’t need more LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard.”
Harvard has taken legal action against the federal government to stop the removal of its ability to admit international students and the loss of funding. According to legal experts, the university has a strong case.
“This is so extreme that the courts are unlikely to allow it to continue,” said Professor Ray Brescia of Albany Law School. He believes the courts will likely reverse these decisions if they are challenged further.
Former students of Harvard have also joined the fight. A group called Crimson Courage is planning to file a lawsuit against Trump on June 9. Filmmaker Anurima Bhargava revealed the plan during a virtual meeting aimed at raising support and funds for the legal battle.
President Trump, however, remains firm. On Monday, he said that foreign students at Harvard included “radicalized lunatics and troublemakers” and vowed to win the legal fight.
