Fact Check: Chaos for thousands of international students due to Trump's Harvard attacks
What We Know
In June 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation that effectively suspended the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study at Harvard University. This proclamation specifically targeted students applying for nonimmigrant F, M, or J visas, which are commonly used by international students. The proclamation also directed the Secretary of State to consider revoking existing visas for current students who met the criteria outlined in the proclamation (source-1).
The Trump administration's actions were part of a broader strategy to challenge Harvard's enrollment of international students, which constitutes a significant portion of the university's student body. Reports indicate that international students make up about 25% of Harvard's total enrollment, contributing to the university's global reputation and diversity (source-2).
In response to these actions, Harvard filed lawsuits arguing that the government's attempts to revoke its certification to host international students were unlawful. A federal judge temporarily blocked some of these measures, but the overall situation for international students remained precarious, with ongoing legal battles and uncertainty about their future at the university (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that Trump's actions created chaos for thousands of international students is supported by the significant disruption caused by the proclamation and subsequent legal challenges. The immediate effect of the proclamation was to halt the entry of new international students and put existing students' visas at risk, which understandably led to confusion and anxiety among those affected (source-1, source-5).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include official government statements and reputable news organizations. However, it is important to note that the framing of the issue can vary. For instance, while some sources emphasize the national security rationale behind the proclamation, others focus on the implications for Harvard's academic community and the potential loss of diversity and talent (source-3, source-7).
The legal challenges mounted by Harvard and other institutions indicate a significant pushback against the administration's policies, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue. The temporary injunctions granted by the courts demonstrate that the administration's actions were not universally accepted and were subject to legal scrutiny (source-2, source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's actions led to chaos for thousands of international students at Harvard is True. The proclamation to restrict foreign student visas created significant uncertainty and anxiety among both prospective and current international students. The legal battles that ensued further complicated the situation, demonstrating the profound impact of the administration's policies on the university's international student community.
Sources
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restricts Foreign Student Visas at Harvard University
- How Trump has targeted Harvard's international students — and what the courts have said
- Trump says he's close to 'a Deal' with Harvard, as judge blocks entry ban
- Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students
- Trump moves to block US entry for Harvard-bound foreigners
- Harvard and M.I.T. Sue to Stop Trump Student Visa Rules
- What Happens to Harvard if Trump Successfully Bars Its International Students?
- Trump and Harvard: International student ban hits university
