By Sang M. Shin and Yenmi Tang

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation restricting the issuance of foreign student visas at Harvard University. Two days later, on June 6, 2025, a Massachusetts federal district court granted Harvard University’s request for a temporary restraining order. The order prevents the Trump administration from enforcing the presidential proclamation until June 20, 2025, or until the court determines whether it will issue a preliminary injunction.

Following this action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt the scheduling of new interview appointments for F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas. In addition, Secretary Rubio announced that the United States would begin to “aggressively” revoke visas held by Chinese students.

Presidential Proclamation and Harvard International Students

• Any new Harvard University student is prohibited from entering the United States as a nonimmigrant under an F, M, or J visa.
• The Secretary of State is to evaluate whether current F, M, or J visa holders enrolled at Harvard University should have their visas revoked.
• The proclamation does not apply to other foreign nationals attending other U.S. universities. An exemption applies to foreign nationals whose entry is determined to be in the national interest.
• The proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 6 months, unless extended.

Department of Homeland Security’s Student Visa Policies

• The pausing of student visa interview appointments is expected to be temporary and short-term and will be lifted once the Department of State develops social media scrutiny guidance and vetting procedures.
• The United States will “aggressively” revoke visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.
• Visa criteria will be revised to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.

Legal Background and Context

The recent presidential proclamation and new immigration policies targeting student visas, including those for Harvard University, reflect a broader legal and policy trend toward heightened national security and immigration restrictions, and the administration’s focus on higher education institutions. These measures build on prior executive actions, with the administration citing the need to address concerns over inadequate vetting, the potential national security threats posed by international students, and the need for more expansive and enhanced social media screening of student visa applicants.

Next Steps and Recommendations

It is critical for nationals of the listed countries and international students to review their travel plans and visa status in light of these changes. Further guidance from the Department of State is expected regarding implementation and procedures for seeking an exemption. Legal challenges to the proclamations are anticipated, and affected individuals should monitor for further government updates.

Conclusion

Employers and foreign nationals with ties to the affected countries, and international students should review the new travel bans and immigration policies carefully. Please consult with immigration counsel to understand how the recent immigration policies may impact specific cases.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For assistance, please contact an attorney in Jackson Walker’s Business Immigration & Compliance practice.

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