Trump Administration Launches Investigation Into Harvard’s Visa Program

The U.S. State Department has opened an investigation into Harvard University’s eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program (J‑1 visas). It is the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing pressure campaign against the university over alleged failures to combat antisemitism on campus and insufficient support for Israel.

According to a letter sent by the department, Harvard has been ordered to provide documentation within seven days showing that its J‑1 visa program complies with federal regulations, national security requirements, and U.S. foreign‑policy interests. Officials also indicated they may interview staff and current J‑1 visa holders as part of the review.

The Exchange Visitor Program allows universities to host international students, professors, researchers, and other visitors. If Harvard loses its sponsorship status, it would be barred from directly hosting such visitors under the J‑1 program (The Guardian, AP News).

Why Harvard is under scrutiny

The investigation follows months of tension between Harvard and the Trump administration. Federal officials argue that extensive pro‑Palestinian demonstrations at Harvard and other U.S. campuses have created an environment that undermines U.S. support for Israel and threatens Jewish students’ safety.

Harvard responded to protests by suspending five students and withholding diplomas from 13 others over their involvement in an encampment, though most later received their degrees after faculty pushed back (The Gaurdian).

Previous punitive actions

The visa investigation adds to a series of measures already taken by the administration:

• Revocation of student visa privileges: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced in May that Harvard was prohibited from hosting any students on F‑ or J‑nonimmigrant status for the 2025–2026 school year, forcing current students to transfer or lose status.
• Funding cuts: The Trump administration has canceled $2.2 billion in federal funding and announced plans to terminate another $450 million in grants from eight agencies.
• Enhanced vetting: U.S. consulates worldwide have been ordered to conduct mandatory social‑media screening of all Harvard‑bound visa applicants, an unprecedented targeting of a single U.S. university.
• ICE subpoenas: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has demanded payroll records, disciplinary files, and videos of international students protesting on campus since 2020 (The Guardian, AP News, Politico). 

Details of the current investigation

The State Department said the investigation will ensure that program sponsors uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students. The department emphasized that J‑1 sponsors must demonstrate transparency in reporting and uphold cultural exchange principles while ensuring their activities do not conflict with U.S. interests.

“The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students,” the department stated. “The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests.” (The Guardian)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has given Harvard one week to produce extensive university records related to the visa program. Plans are also in place to interview staff and visa holders during the review process ( AP News,Politico).