HARVARD UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION FOR STUDENT VISA SPONSORSHIP

The Trump administration has launched a high-profile investigation into Harvard University’s continued eligibility to host international students and researchers under the State Department’s Exchange Visitor Program. The probe, announced July 23 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is the latest in a series of actions targeting the Ivy League institution over its handling of diversity policies, campus speech, and foreign student enrollment.

National Security or Political Retaliation?

According to the State Department, the investigation will determine whether Harvard’s visa sponsorship practices align with U.S. national security interests and foreign policy goals. All program sponsors must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and “the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding,” Rubio said. Critics, however, view the probe as part of a broader retaliation campaign against the university.

Earlier this year, the administration attempted to block Harvard from enrolling new international students—who make up nearly a quarter of its student body—and sought to freeze over $2.2 billion in federal funds, citing alleged antisemitism and unlawful DEI initiatives. A Massachusetts federal judge has temporarily blocked some of these measures while litigation proceeds.

A Broader Campaign

In recent months, the Department of Homeland Security has issued administrative subpoenas seeking data on Harvard’s foreign students. President Trump has also suggested revoking the university’s tax-exempt status and has opened multiple investigations under the False Claims Act, targeting admissions practices and institutional compliance.

Harvard has forcefully denied the administration’s claims, calling the visa investigation a violation of its First Amendment rights. The university maintains it is in full compliance with Exchange Visitor Program regulations and remains committed to supporting its international community.