State Department Reinstates Harvard Student Visas Amid Court Win

WASHINGTON, DC — June 09, 2025 The U.S. State Department has ordered embassies and consulates worldwide to resume processing student and exchange visitor visas for those attending Harvard University. The directive—sent June 6 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—responds to a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston, which blocked a presidential proclamation limiting visas for Harvard-bound foreign students

Initially, diplomats were urged to refuse visa applications and even cancel already printed visas based on a new internal policy code. That guidance was reversed hours after the TRO took effect, mandating that “no such applications should be refused” and that Harvard visa applicants should undergo standard processi. However, the implementation comes amid ongoing restrictions: enhanced vetting—including social media and online presence screenings—remains in use, and U.S. consular officers retain broad discretion to deny visas.

This shift comes amid mounting tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration. Earlier, the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s certification to host international students under the SEVP, citing safety and ideological concerns. Simultaneously, the administration froze billions in research funding and challenged Harvard’s tax‑exempt status—moves Harvard contends are punitive maneuvers targeting its institutional governance.

Despite the court’s ruling favoring Harvard, analysts warn that the added scrutiny and consular discretion may still slow or block visa approvals. For now, the reversal allows prospective students and exchange scholars to proceed with their applications, though the broader legal struggle continues and may shape future campus‑immigration policy frameworks.

*Sources:
*https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/09/politics/harvard-student-visas-resume-processing