Latest news with #DS-2019
News18
06-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘Avoid Boston, Be Mindful Of Social Media': Harvard Issues Travel Advisory To Foreign Students
Last Updated: The Ivy League institute also warned the incoming students to be mindful of their social media content and personal electronic devices when entering the country. Harvard University has issued an advisory for its incoming international students to avoid entering the United States through Boston's Logan International Airport and instead consider flying into alternatives like New York due to prolonged interrogation or secondary inspections of students at the Boston Airport. The Ivy League institute also warned the incoming students to be mindful of their social media content and personal electronic devices when entering the country. Harvard also advised the international students to bring all necessary academic records, including their SEVIS receipt, CV, admission letter, and I-20/DS-2019. Additionally, they should confirm that electronic devices are available and unlocked. The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny at US borders and increasing pressure from the Trump administration on the university's international programs. There have been reports of prolonged interrogation or secondary inspections of students, particularly those with STEM backgrounds, and those from China or Iran. Harvard suggested flying to these airports because they facilitate more efficient travel for foreign visitors. According to a Bloomberg report, the advisory was issued during a private call, hosted by Harvard's international office and a Harvard Law School immigration support group. The call, held last week, included input from Maureen Martin, Harvard's Director of Immigration Services and Jason Corral, a staff attorney with the clinic. Students who joined the call told said that during the session, Harvard administrators warned new foreign students that US state department officials have the authority to review social media accounts for student visa applicants, while US Customs and Border Protection can examine personal electronic devices and reject entry based on their contents. It remains unclear whether these assessments are conducted manually by federal employees or with the aid of artificial intelligence, the report further stated. Students were also warned about potential 'red flags" that could attract scrutiny. Although not explicitly defined, posts expressing pro-Palestine views, content perceived as anti-Semitic, or posts derogatory to the US and its government were cited as likely to raise concerns. Any previous bumps into law enforcement could also attract attention. Harvard officials cautioned students not to delete the contents of their devices entirely as wiping a device clean before travel might raise suspicions. Special Travel Advice To Students From Iran, China The Harvard representatives reportedly advised Iranians and Chinese nationals studying in particular fields—including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and anything related to AI—to exercise particular caution when travelling. Corral reportedly advised Iranian students to avoid flying into Boston's Logan International Airport, where they may face heightened scrutiny. Instead, airports such as New York's JFK, Chicago O'Hare or Los Angeles International were suggested as potentially less problematic alternatives. Harvard Vs Trump Harvard has been on the radar of the Donald Trump administration's push to change higher education. In addition to challenging the school's ability to admit international students, the administration has canceled over $2.6 billion in federal research funding and has questioned the university's tax-exempt status. Initially accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitism, federal officials have expanded their critique to include allegations of political bias and opposition to diversity initiatives in admissions and hiring. First Published:
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Student Visa Pause: What Interviews Are Impacted
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's administration has ordered a temporary halt to all new student and exchange visitor visa interviews at United States embassies and consulates worldwide. "Our clients are understandably anxious and uncertain. Many are questioning why they've invested so much time and money into the American education system, only to feel like it's being taken away from them so abruptly and with very little clarity about what's next," immigration attorney Saman Movassaghi Gonzalez told Newsweek. Why It Matters A State Department cable dated Tuesday, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines upcoming changes to U.S. vetting procedures. As part of this shift, the Trump administration is considering a policy that would require foreign student visa applicants to undergo social media screening. The move, confirmed by the State Department, is part of a broader initiative to expand social media vetting, prompting concerns about possible delays and increased surveillance. The pause applies to all applicants for academic and vocational student visas, such as F and M visas, as well as those applying for educational and cultural exchange programs through J visas. Does This Apply to All F Visas? Yes. The suspension encompasses all categories under the F visa classification, including F-1 visas for academic students and F-2 visas for their dependents. New applicants in these categories are subject to the pause. What About M and J Visas? The pause also affects M visas, which are for vocational or non-academic students and J visas, which are for exchange visitors, along with their respective dependent categories (M-2 and J-2). New applications in these categories are included in the suspension. File photo of a United States visa File photo of a United States visa Associated Press Does This Affect Already Scheduled Visa Interviews? No. Interviews that were scheduled before the announcement are proceeding as planned. The pause applies only to new interview appointments Does This Affect Canadian Students? Canadian citizens are generally exempt from visa requirements for studying in the U.S. However, they must present a valid I-20 or DS-2019 form at the port of entry. Since they do not require a visa interview, the current pause does not directly impact Canadian students. What Is the Reason Behind This Pause? The Trump administration aims to implement enhanced social media screening for visa applicants. The pause allows time to develop and integrate these new vetting procedures. Officials have expressed concerns about applicants' online activities, particularly those perceived as hostile to U.S. interests. How Long Will the Pause Last? The State Department has not specified an end date for the suspension. The duration will depend on how quickly the new screening protocols are finalized and implemented. Are There Any Legal Challenges to This Policy? As of now, there have been no specific legal challenges to the interview pause. However, previous visa-related policies have faced legal scrutiny, and it's possible that this suspension could also be contested in the courts.
