The president Donald Trump defended on Wednesday the suspension of interviews for international student visas, a measure that has sparked strong criticism in academic circles and among human rights advocates.
In statements to the press in the Oval Office, he particularly targeted Harvard University, where international students make up over a quarter of the student body, a figure that, in his view, should be reduced to 15%.
The president accused the research center of being a "disaster" and disrespecting the United States.
Direct criticisms of Harvard and the education system
"Harvard has been a disaster. More than 5 billion dollars have been taken away... and I would prefer that money be allocated to trade schools. We can have the best trade schools in the world," stated the president.
In his speech, Trump combined his anti-elite message with a more restrictive view on student immigration.
He also hinted that universities like Harvard are being too permissive with those who enter their classrooms.
"How can Harvard be great if it announced two weeks ago that it will be offering remedial math? How did these people get into Harvard?" he asked with a sarcastic tone.
The president made it clear that his administration aims to restrict the entry of foreign students who, in his view, do not share American values.
"I want to ensure that foreign students are people who can LOVE OUR COUNTRY! We don't want to see shopping malls overflowing. We don't want to see the kind of disturbances that you had," he said, referring to student protests.
Executive measure and social media review
The suspension of interviews for F, M, and J visas - which impact students and visiting academic exchange participants - was mandated by the Department of State as part of a potential broader review of immigration criteria.
The diplomatic cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, orders that the measure take effect "immediately" and anticipates the implementation of new filters, especially on social media.
This review would relate to measures to combat terrorism and antisemitism, in response to recent pro-Palestinian protests at universities such as Harvard and Columbia.
The hardening coincides with other conflicts between the White House and the academic world.
On May 23, a federal judge temporarily blocked the revocation of Harvard's permit to enroll foreign students, warning that it could suffer "irreparable harm." The university had described Trump's ban as political retaliation.
An atmosphere of growing tension
The Trump administration has defended its tough stance on student immigration policy with the argument that "a visa is a privilege, not a right".
Marco Rubio, for his part, reiterated that those who support "terrorist activities" could see their immigration status revoked.
This climate of surveillance intensified following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia student, by ICE. According to his defense, he was detained in a repressive act linked to his activism.
Academic leaders and civil rights organizations warn that this policy could have irreversible consequences for the reputation of U.S. universities, as well as for their ability to attract high-caliber international students.
For now, as the future of thousands of young people hoping to train in the United States is being redefined, Trump is doubling down: fewer visas, increased surveillance, and an education system that—according to him—must once again prioritize "love for the country."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Visa Interviews for International Students in the U.S.
Why has Donald Trump suspended student visa interviews?
Donald Trump has suspended visa interviews for international students as part of a broader review of immigration criteria, aimed at implementing new filters, particularly regarding social media. This measure is linked to the fight against terrorism and antisemitism, according to statements from the administration.
How does the suspension of student visas affect U.S. universities?
The suspension of interviews for student visas could significantly reduce the flow of international students to U.S. universities. This would impact both academic diversity and the funding of these institutions, which heavily rely on international tuition.
What criticisms has the measure to suspend student visas received?
The measure has generated strong criticism in academic circles and among human rights defenders, who warn that it could have irreversible consequences for the reputation of U.S. universities and their ability to attract international talent. Additionally, it is viewed as a political retaliation against institutions like Harvard.
What is the connection between the suspension of visas and the recent tensions between the White House and universities?
The suspension of student visas coincides with a climate of increasing tension between the Trump administration and the academic world. The White House has accused universities like Harvard of fostering antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, which has led to measures such as the revocation of permits to enroll foreign students.
Filed under:
