Fact Check: The U.S. may block foreign students from Harvard if enrollment exceeds 15%.

Fact Check: "The U.S. may block foreign students from Harvard if enrollment exceeds 15%."

What We Know

The claim that "The U.S. may block foreign students from Harvard if enrollment exceeds 15%" stems from statements made by former President Donald Trump regarding foreign student enrollment at Harvard University. In a proclamation issued on June 4, 2025, Trump suggested that there should be a cap on the number of foreign students at Harvard, proposing a limit of around 15% of the total student body, which he argued was necessary to ensure opportunities for American students (source-2, source-6).

However, it is important to note that this suggestion does not equate to an official policy or law that would block foreign students if they exceed this percentage. The proclamation was more of a recommendation rather than a binding legal requirement, and it specifically targeted new admissions rather than existing students (source-1).

Analysis

The sources of this claim primarily originate from statements made by Trump and related government proclamations. While Trump did express a desire to limit foreign student enrollment, the context of his statements indicates that they were not formalized into a policy that would automatically block students exceeding the proposed cap.

For instance, the proclamation mentioned that it aimed to "safeguard national security" and included various criticisms of Harvard's handling of foreign students (source-2). However, it did not provide a clear mechanism for enforcement against students already enrolled or those who may exceed the 15% threshold.

Moreover, reputable news sources such as the Associated Press and The New York Times have reported on Trump's comments, clarifying that while he suggested a cap, there has been no formal action taken to implement such a restriction (source-4, source-5). The lack of a formal policy means that the claim lacks a basis in current law or practice.

Conclusion

The claim that "The U.S. may block foreign students from Harvard if enrollment exceeds 15%" is False. While former President Trump suggested a cap on foreign student enrollment, there is no formal policy or law that would enforce such a restriction. The proclamation serves as a recommendation rather than a binding directive, and it does not indicate that students would be blocked based solely on enrollment percentages.

Sources

1. Our Continued Resolve to Fight for You
2. Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restricts Foreign Student Visas ...
3. Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at ...
4. International student enrollment becomes a liability for Ivy ...
5. Trump Says Harvard Should Have a Limit on International Students - The ...
6. Trump suggests that Harvard University cap international student ...
7. Trump suggests a 15 percent cap on foreign students at Harvard, other ...