The United States has suspended the processing of student visas following a directive issued on Tuesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in what marks the latest move by the Trump administration against foreign students and elite academic institutions.
According to a diplomatic cable obtained by AFP, all US embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause new student and exchange visa appointments until further notice.
The measure comes amid heightened scrutiny of international students, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian protests on American campuses.
President Donald Trump’s administration has accused some student demonstrators of supporting Hamas, and in response, has revoked visas and initiated deportations.
The White House is also tightening its vetting process for international applicants, including a review of their social media activity.
This escalation follows the administration’s recent announcement to terminate financial agreements with Harvard University—estimated to be worth $100 million—as punishment for the institution’s refusal to relinquish control over its academic and administrative policies.
The government also moved to block Harvard from enrolling international students, prompting backlash from students and faculty.
Protesters gathered at Harvard on Tuesday, just days before graduation, holding signs and chanting slogans defending the rights of foreign students.
“Who belongs in class today? Let them stay!” protesters shouted, as helicopters hovered over the scene in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Harvard students and alumni have responded with legal action.
The university has filed lawsuits challenging the revocation of its accreditation under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, as well as the freezing of federal funding.
An alumni group, Crimson Courage, plans to sue Trump in early June to stop what they describe as politically motivated attacks on higher education.
Meanwhile, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s move, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday—the same day as Harvard’s commencement ceremony.
In defense of the policy, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News that the administration aims to redirect taxpayer funds toward vocational and state schools that promote “American values.”
“We need more plumbers and electricians, not more graduates with LGBTQ degrees from Harvard,” she said.
Critics argued that the Trump administration’s stance risks undermining America’s higher education sector, which relies heavily on the talent and funding brought by international students.
Roughly 27% of Harvard’s student body comes from abroad.
Legal scholars predict the courts may ultimately overturn many of the administration’s actions, citing constitutional violations and lack of legal precedent.
Albany Law School Professor Ray Brescia noted, “The legal case against these measures is strong, and I expect the courts to intervene.”
Despite the legal challenges, Trump has remained firm, saying on Monday that many international students are “radicalized lunatics” and warning that universities must “clean house or face consequences.”
