US Launches Comprehensive Review of All Harvard-Affiliated Visa Holders

The U.S. State Department has initiated a sweeping review of all visa holders associated with Harvard University, extending beyond students to include faculty, researchers, consultants, conference attendees, and other foreign visitors linked to the institution. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the intensified screenings, stating, “Anyone in the country on a visa needs to understand that the U.S. takes this matter seriously. This is not a one-time process; the review is ongoing.”

This move is part of a broader national security initiative following concerns over alleged pro-terrorist conduct linked to campus protests supporting Gaza, as well as perceived non-compliance with oversight requirements. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Harvard for refusing to share information about foreign students and fostering an environment hostile to Jewish students. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security has threatened to withdraw Harvard’s certification for the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP), which would significantly impact approximately 7,000 international students.

The Trump administration has also revoked thousands of visas and canceled over $3 billion in federal funding to Harvard, sparking legal disputes. A federal judge is expected to rule on whether international students can begin enrollment for the upcoming semester. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that visas are privileges, not rights, reinforcing the administration’s firm stance on immigration and campus-related national security concerns.