US Launches Investigation into Harvard’s Exchange Visitor Programme
2 Min Read
The United States has launched a federal investigation into Harvard University’s continued eligibility to participate in the Exchange Visitor Programme, intensifying the country’s ongoing crackdown on the prestigious institution.
In a statement issued on 23 July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the probe, claiming that while it is a “privilege” to host exchange visitors, the programme must align with national security and foreign policy interests. The investigation will review whether Harvard is conducting its exchange activities, spanning visiting professors, researchers, and some international students in compliance with federal regulations.
“The investigation will ensure that State Department programmes do not run contrary to our nation’s interests,” said Rubio, without disclosing specific reasons for the inquiry.
The United States’ Exchange Visitor Programme facilitates cultural and academic exchanges between the US and other countries. Harvard, as one of the programme’s leading sponsors, brings hundreds of international scholars and students to its campus each year.
This is the latest move in the Trump administration’s wider campaign targeting Harvard and other elite academic institutions. In June, a federal judge blocked attempts by the administration to stop international students from enrolling at Harvard, calling the effort legally baseless. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security was barred from stripping Harvard of its student sponsorship rights.
A Harvard spokesperson described the probe as “yet another retaliatory step” and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting its international community. “Harvard continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect them as they apply for US visas and travel to campus this autumn,” the spokesperson told The PIE News.
Meanwhile, Harvard is suing the federal government over the loss of more than $2 billion in funding and ongoing demands to hand over records of international students. The administration has also accused the university of not doing enough to combat anti-semitism.
With mounting pressure from the US government, the situation has sparked concern across higher education institutions globally. Countries such as the United Kingdom are watching closely, as any instability in US academic policy could shift international student flows elsewhere.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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