US State Department Investigates Harvard's Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Program

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department announced that it will be investigating Harvard University’s ongoing eligibility to serve as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program, which facilitates participation of foreign students and scholars in exchange programs in the United States. This action is seen as part of the Trump administration's initiative to tighten the admission of international students at the prestigious institution.

U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio emphasized that organizations wishing to maintain their status as sponsors must adhere to all regulations, ensuring their programs align with national security interests and foreign policy objectives. He stated that this investigation aims to guarantee State Department programs are consistent with the nation’s interests.

In response to the investigation, a Harvard University spokesperson referred to it as a retaliatory move by the administration that infringes on the university’s First Amendment rights. The spokesperson also affirmed Harvard's dedication to complying with the regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program.

In a related development earlier this week, Judge Allison Burroughs from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts convened a hearing regarding the Trump administration's proposed funding cuts to Harvard, which could amount to over 2.6 billion dollars. Following this, President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with the judge on social media, threatening immediate appeal if the ruling was unfavorable to his administration.