The Trump administration has directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to increase visa scrutiny for individuals traveling to Harvard University. A cable issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructs consular officers to apply enhanced vetting to all nonimmigrant visa applicants intending to visit the institution, citing efforts to combat anti-Semitism and potential violence.
According to NBC Boston, the policy applies to students, faculty, researchers, and even tourists. It requires a detailed review of applicants’ social media presence. A spokesperson for the State Department declined to comment on internal communications.
CBS News adds that consular officers are now required to "conduct a complete screening of the online presence of any nonimmigrant visa applicant seeking to travel to Harvard University for any purpose." Officers may ask that social media profiles be made public, and applicants with no visible online activity or private accounts may face additional scrutiny.
The measure may serve as a test case for possible broader applications to other academic institutions. The focus on Harvard follows executive orders issued by President Trump aimed at tightening visa procedures and addressing anti-Semitism.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University, including previous attempts to limit international student enrollment and federal funding. Visa restrictions for some Chinese students, particularly those in sensitive academic fields or with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party, have also drawn criticism from Chinese officials.
President Trump said in a statement obtained by CBS News, “We want to have great students here, we just don't want students that are causing trouble,” while accusing Harvard of trying to be a big shot.
