ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10948ProclamationTrump 47 · R

Proclamation 10948

Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University

This proclamation suspends entry of foreign students and exchange visitors seeking to attend Harvard University on F, M, or J visas, citing national security concerns over Harvard's alleged failure to provide disciplinary records of foreign students to DHS, rising campus crime, foreign funding entanglements (particularly with China), and ongoing civil rights investigations. The suspension lasts 6 months with a 90-day review for extension, and directs the Secretary of State to consider revoking current Harvard foreign students' visas while allowing national-interest exceptions.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 24493

Impact dates

  1. 6-month suspension expires unless extended

  2. Attorney General and DHS Secretary joint recommendation on extension due

Key directives

  • Suspend entry of aliens seeking F, M, or J visas to study at or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University
  • Secretary of State to consider revoking visas of current Harvard foreign students under INA section 221(i)
  • Attorney General and DHS Secretary to jointly submit extension recommendation within 90 days
  • Secretary of State, Attorney General, and DHS Secretary to coordinate implementation
  • Secretary of State, Attorney General, and DHS Secretary to consider imposing SEVP/SEVIS limitations on Harvard University
  • National interest exceptions permitted by Secretary of State or DHS Secretary or designees

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Suspension takes effect for new entries after June 4, 2025
  • Secretary of State may begin considering visa revocations for current Harvard foreign students

Near term (90d)

  • Attorney General and DHS Secretary must jointly submit extension recommendation by September 2, 2025
  • Potential SEVP participation limitations on Harvard to be considered

Long term

  • 6-month suspension expires December 4, 2025 unless extended
  • Potential precedent for similar actions against other universities
  • Ongoing federal investigations into Harvard's civil rights compliance

Risks & tensions

  • High litigation risk: selective targeting of one university raises First Amendment and equal protection challenges
  • Foreign student visa revocation for current students could trigger due process claims and emergency injunctive relief
  • China-specific allegations risk conflating national security with academic freedom and racial profiling concerns
  • Precedent risk: mechanism could be replicated against other institutions without legislative process
  • Harvard's $150M+ from China and 'paramilitary organization' claims are attributed to congressional probe and student newspaper, not independently verified in document
  • Document conflates multiple grievances (crime reporting, foreign funding, admissions discrimination, civil rights) under single immigration sanction
  • National interest exception provides discretionary escape valve but creates uncertainty for applicants and administrators
Proclamation 10948: Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University · Executive Orders