Trump investigates Harvard over student visas in a new offensive against the university.

247 - The administration of US President Donald Trump has launched a new investigation into Harvard University, this time related to its participation in the federal visa program for foreign students and professors. This information was released by [source name/source - context needed]. The New York Times, who had access to the letter sent by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to the interim president of the university, Dr. Alan M. Garber.

According to the document, the investigation focuses on Harvard's role in the Exchange Visitor Program, aimed at students, professors, researchers, interns, and other international visitors. The letter does not present specific accusations, but states that the process aims to "assist the department in fulfilling its public policy goals."

One-week deadline and extensive requirements.

The secretary gave the university a week to provide an extensive set of documents related to the visa program. Rubio's team also indicated that they may interview officials connected to the program, as well as visa holders.

In a statement, Marco Rubio said the measure seeks to ensure that the program “does not compromise the national security interests of the United States.” He declared: “The American people have the right to expect their universities to respect national security, obey the law, and provide safe environments for all students.”

Harvard University responded to the government's action in a statement, calling the investigation "yet another retaliatory step by the administration, in violation of First Amendment rights." The institution added that it remains committed to complying with federal rules and supporting its international community during the visa application and return to campus process.

Context of litigation and recent pressures

Rubio's letter was sent two days after a court hearing in Boston, in which federal judge Allison D. Burroughs expressed skepticism about the government's measures against the university. She questioned the legality of the administration's attempts to tie federal funding to specific administrative requirements.

The judge had previously blocked two attempts by the government to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students: a decision by the Department of Homeland Security and a proclamation by President Trump. Despite this, in a June ruling, Burroughs acknowledged that the government can request documents and conduct routine investigations into compliance with federal regulations.

Parallel actions against the university

Since the resumption of negotiations between the government and Harvard regarding admissions, hiring, and curriculum, the federal administration has taken further action against the institution. Harvard has become the target of an investigation for alleged civil rights violations and has had its accreditation questioned, which could affect its students' access to federal funding.

In addition, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have served subpoenas demanding documents such as payroll records, disciplinary files, and videos of foreign student protests since 2020.

Rubio has also been pressing the Treasury Department to investigate the university's possible violation of federal sanctions by participating in a health insurance conference in China, which may have included US-sanctioned officials.

The government's offensive also includes expanding social media screening of visa applicants and proposing visa restrictions for Chinese students, despite President Trump's recent statement that these students are welcome in the country as part of a trade agreement with China.