On July 23, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department has started a federal investigation into Harvard University’s ability to sponsor international students through the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP). This move, driven by national security concerns, marks a new chapter in the ongoing tension between the federal government and one of the world’s most famous universities. The investigation could affect thousands of international students, Harvard’s global reputation, and the future of academic exchanges in the United States 🇺🇸.
Rubio explained, “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 stressed that all EVP sponsors must follow strict rules, be transparent, and support the program’s goal of cultural exchange without putting U.S. security or foreign policy at risk.
Harvard’s spokesperson quickly replied, calling the investigation “yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.” The university promised to keep enrolling and supporting international students and scholars, and said it would continue to follow all EVP rules.
What Sparked the Federal Investigation?
The current investigation comes just months after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem tried to take away Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). If successful, this would have stopped Harvard from admitting international students. Noem accused Harvard of allowing antisemitism, violence on campus, and working improperly with the Chinese Communist Party.
Harvard responded by filing a lawsuit, saying these actions threatened the studies and futures of more than 7,000 international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas. The university argued that the government’s actions were political punishment for Harvard’s commitment to academic freedom. In May, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs sided with Harvard, issuing a preliminary order to stop the SEVP decertification while the case continues.
Adding to the pressure, President Trump issued a proclamation telling the State Department to refuse visas for students trying to attend “investigation-targeted” schools, specifically naming Harvard. Judge Burroughs responded by ordering U.S. consular offices to keep processing visas and allow Harvard students to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
Details of the Investigation
- Launch Date: July 23, 2025
- Who’s Involved: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Harvard University, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, President Trump, and U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs
- What’s Being Investigated: Whether Harvard is following all rules as a sponsor of J-1 visas under the EVP, and if the university’s actions threaten U.S. national security or foreign policy
- What’s at Stake: Harvard’s ability to sponsor international students and scholars, the future of academic exchanges, and the rights of thousands of students
Rubio sent a letter to Harvard President Alan M. Garber, demanding a wide range of records about Harvard’s visa sponsorship activities within one week. The State Department may also interview Harvard staff and current visa holders as part of the investigation.
Background: The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) and J-1 Visas
The EVP allows foreign students, researchers, and professors to come to the United States 🇺🇸 for cultural and educational exchanges. To sponsor J-1 visas, universities like Harvard must follow strict federal rules, including:
- Keeping clear records of all sponsored students and scholars
- Reporting regularly to the government
- Cooperating fully with federal authorities
You can find more details about the EVP and J-1 visa requirements on the U.S. Department of State’s official Exchange Visitor Program page.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The Trump administration has argued that these steps are needed to protect the United States 🇺🇸 from foreign threats, especially from China. Officials claim that some foreign students and scholars use academic programs to steal technology or spread misinformation. President Trump’s June 4, 2025, proclamation made it clear: admission to U.S. schools is a privilege, not a right, and Harvard has failed to meet the standards needed to protect national security.
Key Stakeholders and Their Positions
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| Secretary of State Rubio | Leading the investigation, focusing on national security and rule compliance for EVP sponsorship |
| Harvard University | Calls the investigation retaliation and a threat to academic freedom; promises to cooperate and defend its rights |
| DHS Secretary Kristi Noem | Previously tried to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification, citing antisemitism, violence, and foreign collusion |
| Judge Allison Burroughs | Issued court orders protecting Harvard’s visa processing rights and questioned the legality of funding cuts |
| President Trump | Issued policies and proclamations targeting Harvard’s international student programs on security grounds |
What Does This Mean for Harvard and Other Universities?
If the investigation finds that Harvard broke the rules or put national security at risk, the university could lose its ability to sponsor J-1 visas. This would stop Harvard from enrolling new international students and scholars under the EVP. The effects could spread to other universities if the government decides to investigate more schools.
For International Students and Scholars
Thousands of current and future Harvard students and scholars face uncertainty. Some have already experienced problems, such as visa delays or being turned away at U.S. airports in June 2025. Harvard has promised to support affected students and help them with the visa process for the next academic term.
For U.S. Higher Education
If the government’s concerns are proven, other universities may face similar investigations and stricter rules. This could change how U.S. schools admit and support international students, possibly making it harder for students from other countries to study in the United States 🇺🇸.
How Does the Investigation Work?
The process follows these steps:
- Notification: Harvard receives a formal letter from the State Department about the investigation.
- Document Submission: Harvard must send the requested records within one week.
- Interviews and Site Visits: Federal officials may talk to Harvard staff, students, and scholars, and may visit the campus.
- Compliance Review: The State Department and DHS review the records and interviews to see if Harvard followed all rules and did not harm U.S. security or foreign policy.
- Sanction Recommendations: If Harvard is found at fault, the government may suspend or take away its EVP sponsorship.
- Legal and Administrative Proceedings: Harvard can challenge any negative findings in court, as it has done before.
Legal and Political Tensions
Harvard’s legal team argues that the investigation is political retaliation for the university’s defense of academic freedom and free speech. The university says these actions threaten the rights of students and scholars from around the world. In court, Judge Allison Burroughs has questioned the government’s reasons for punishing Harvard and has protected the university’s visa processing rights for now.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration insists that national security must come first. Rubio and DHS officials say that strict rules are needed to keep the United States 🇺🇸 safe and to make sure that student visa programs are not abused.
Expert Opinions
- Government Officials: Support the investigation as necessary for national security and rule enforcement.
- Harvard Leaders: Say the investigation is unfair and hurts the university’s global reputation.
- Legal Experts: Some judges and lawyers worry that the government’s actions may violate constitutional rights and harm students and research.
- National Security Specialists: Some agree with strict oversight to prevent spying and theft, while others warn that too much control could hurt U.S. universities’ ability to attract top talent.
What Happens Next?
- The investigation’s length and final outcome are still unknown. It could last weeks or months, and may expand to include other universities.
- Harvard’s legal challenges to funding cuts and visa restrictions are still in court. The results will affect what the government can do next.
- If there is a change in administration, future policies could shift. For now, the Trump administration’s approach remains in place.
- Harvard’s actions and the court’s decisions will help shape the rules for international student sponsorship in the United States 🇺🇸.
Practical Guidance for Students and Universities
- International Students: Stay in close contact with your university’s international office. Keep your documents up to date and follow all instructions from your school and the U.S. government.
- Universities: Review your compliance with EVP and SEVP rules. Make sure your records are accurate and that you are ready to respond to government requests.
- Legal Support: If you face visa problems or are affected by these investigations, seek help from your university’s legal team or a qualified immigration attorney.
Where to Find More Information
- For official rules and updates about the Exchange Visitor Program and J-1 visas, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program page.
- For information about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), including compliance guidelines, visit the SEVP official website.
- If you need to access the official J-1 visa application form, you can find Form DS-2019 on the State Department’s website.
Summary Table: Stakeholders and Their Positions
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| Secretary of State Rubio | Leading the investigation, focusing on national security and rule compliance for EVP sponsorship |
| Harvard University | Calls the investigation retaliation and a threat to academic freedom; promises to cooperate and defend its rights |
| DHS Secretary Kristi Noem | Previously tried to revoke Harvard’s SEVP certification, citing antisemitism, violence, and foreign collusion |
| Judge Allison Burroughs | Issued court orders protecting Harvard’s visa processing rights and questioned the legality of funding cuts |
| President Trump | Issued policies and proclamations targeting Harvard’s international student programs on security grounds |
Looking Forward
The outcome of this federal investigation could set new standards for how U.S. universities work with international students and scholars. If Harvard loses its ability to sponsor J-1 visas, the impact will be felt not just in Cambridge, but at universities across the country. International students may face more hurdles, and U.S. schools could lose some of their global appeal.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this case highlights the growing tension between national security and academic freedom in the United States 🇺🇸. The final decisions from the courts and the government will shape the future of international education and research for years to come.
For now, students, scholars, and universities should stay informed, follow all official rules, and be ready to respond to changes as the investigation unfolds. The story of Harvard, Rubio, and the federal investigation is far from over, and its effects will reach far beyond one campus.
Learn Today
Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) → A U.S. program permitting foreign students and scholars to participate in cultural and educational exchanges.
J-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for individuals approved to participate in work- and study-based exchange visitor programs in the U.S.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) → A program managing and certifying U.S. schools authorized to enroll international students with F or J visas.
SEVP Decertification → The process of removing a school’s authorization to sponsor international students under SEVP rules.
National Security → Measures taken by the U.S. government to protect the nation from threats including espionage and terrorism.
This Article in a Nutshell
Secretary Rubio initiated a July 2025 investigation into Harvard’s EVP sponsorship, citing national security. Harvard calls it retaliation yet promises cooperation. This probe may reshape international student policies and impact thousands at Harvard and beyond, highlighting tensions between security and academic freedom in U.S. higher education.
— By VisaVerge.com
