INVC NEWS
Washington, DC — : Foreign students applying to prestigious institutions like Harvard University now face a stricter vetting process following a recent directive issued by the U.S. administration. According to the new order signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the social media profiles of international applicants will be thoroughly reviewed to assess any past anti-Semitic sentiments, violent rhetoric, or extremist affiliations before visa approval.
Visa Cancellation for Content Supporting Violence or Hate
The directive mandates that U.S. consulates and embassies across the globe immediately begin checking applicants’ digital presence. If a candidate is found to have shared or supported content promoting anti-Semitism or violence, their visa will be denied or revoked. This rule is especially aimed at those applying to elite academic institutions like Harvard, often seen as gateways to future global influence.
Pilot Project Begins With Scope for Full Rollout
Currently launched as a pilot project, the visa scrutiny plan is active and enforceable. If proven effective, the policy will be implemented on a broader scale in the coming months. U.S. embassies have been instructed to flag any historical or recent online behavior that violates the new code. This initiative is considered a preemptive move to prevent ideological extremism from entering U.S. campuses under the guise of academic pursuit.
No Official Response from Harvard Yet
As of now, Harvard University has not issued any formal response to this decision. The absence of an immediate reaction comes despite the directive being directly associated with students applying to the university. Institutions affected by this rule may include not only Harvard but also other Ivy League and top-tier research universities that host a large number of foreign scholars.
Tensions Rise Between Trump Administration and Harvard
The decision follows escalating tensions between former President Donald Trump and Harvard University. Trump has repeatedly accused the university of harboring anti-Semitic ideologies and aligning with the Chinese government, claims which Harvard strongly denies. These accusations have led to the suspension of Harvard’s $2.6 billion in federal funding and initiated discussions around removing the institution’s tax-exempt status.
Harvard Warned to Cut Foreign Student Intake
Another directive from the Trump administration recommends that Harvard reduce its foreign student population to 15%, a sharp drop from the current 27% international enrollment. Of the approximately 6,800 foreign students studying at the university, 788 are from India, making Indian nationals a significant portion of the impacted group.
U.S. Policy Shift to Impact Global Applicants and Indian Students
This new visa policy has serious implications for aspiring scholars worldwide, particularly those from India, China, and the Middle East. With Harvard hosting students from over 100 countries, the digital screening program introduces a new layer of scrutiny that could alter the landscape of international education in the United States.
Global students aiming for admission to Harvard or similar U.S. institutions must now ensure their online presence aligns with American diplomatic standards, or risk disqualification before their academic journey begins.
