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Trump administration opens investigation into Harvard's visa program eligibility
A Harvard sign is seen at the Harvard University campus in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 27. Image used for representation. (Source: AFP)
The US Department of State is opening an investigation into Harvard University's 'continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program.' On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move, marking US President Donald Trump's latest escalation against the Ivy League institution.
The Trump administration has already been facing legal challenges over its attempts to block the university's ability to host international students. 'The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation's interests,' the top US diplomat said in a statement without offering further details about the investigation.
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The move came after the Trump administration first revoked Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program status in May. However, the order was blocked by the US federal judge Allison Burroughs. 'All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded,' Rubio said in the Wednesday statement.
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In the past, the administration cited antisemitism on campus as a reason for halting the school's international student program. The Trump administration also accused Harvard of not providing the government with required information about its international students.
'To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States,' Rubio maintained. '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,' he added.
In the past, the State Department investigation specifically targeted people under J-1 visas, which the university says is 'to bring foreign nationals as professors, researchers, specialists and students to the University.' It is separate from the F-1 visa program that is strictly for students and is largely administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
'This investigation is yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights,' said Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton in a statement Wednesday. 'Harvard continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community and support them as they apply for U.S. visas and travel to campus this fall,' the statement continued. 'The University is committed to continuing to comply with the applicable Exchange Visitor Program regulations.'
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