US restores foreign student visa processing at Harvard University

Photo: Reuters

Reuters reported on June 10 that the US State Department has directed the continued processing of visas for Harvard University students and exchange visitors, after a federal judge in Boston last week temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's ban on foreign students studying at the school.

In a cable signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent on June 6 to US missions abroad and consular posts, the State Department cited the judge's decision and said the new directive was "consistent" with it.

In a decision issued on June 5, Judge Allison Burroughs blocked Mr. Trump's move to consider further litigation on the issue.

President Trump has cited national security concerns to justify his ban on international students entering the United States for the purpose of studying at Harvard.

The US government has taken a number of steps against the country's oldest and wealthiest university, freezing billions of dollars in grants and other funding and proposing to end the school's tax-exempt status, sparking a series of legal challenges.

Harvard University says the administration is retaliating against the school for refusing to comply with demands for control over its governance, curriculum, and the ideology of its faculty and students.

In response to a request for comment, the US State Department said it does not comment on internal communications.

In the cable, the State Department added that all other guidance related to student visas remains in effect, including enhanced social media checks and a requirement to review applicants' online activity.