On June 4, 2025, the Trump administration issued a proclamation restricting entry to the U.S. of foreign nationals intending to study at Harvard University in F or M student status, or intending to participate in an exchange visitor program sponsored by Harvard in J status. On June 5, 2025, a federal district court in Massachusetts granted Harvard’s motion for a temporary restraining order halting enforcement of the June 4 presidential proclamation while litigation proceeds.

If implemented, the ban would apply to all foreign nationals who enter or attempt to enter the U.S. to attend Harvard in F, M, or J status as of June 4, 2025. Other visa categories (such as H-1B, O-1, etc.) do not appear to be impacted by the ban.

The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security may consider discretionary exemptions to the ban when admission of the foreign national is deemed to be in the national interest. No qualifying criteria were referenced.

The proclamation also directs the Secretary of State to determine whether to revoke the visas of F, M, or J visa holders who are currently in the U.S. attending Harvard University, and permits the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to limit Harvard’s ability to participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The proclamation comes after one federal judge enjoined the Trump administration from terminating Harvard’s eligibility to enroll international students, and, in a case filed by Van Der Hout LLP, another federal judge issued a nationwide injunction to stop the Trump administration from arbitrarily and unlawfully terminating SEVIS records for foreign students.

Harvard is expected to continue to litigate to protect its international student and scholar population from the Trump administration’s retaliatory conduct. Additional information for Harvard students, scholars, and alumni is available from Harvard’s International Office.

Please contact your designated Van Der Hout representative for additional information.