The U.S. State Department has directed all overseas consular posts to implement additional visa screening procedures for applicants intending to travel to Harvard University, regardless of the purpose of their visit. The directive covers a broad spectrum of individuals including prospective students, current students, faculty members, employees, contractors, guest speakers, and tourists.
This measure was announced through an internal cable dated May 30, 2025, signed by the Secretary of State. The directive cites concerns regarding Harvard University’s campus environment, specifically referencing issues of violence and anti-Semitism as noted by the Department of Homeland Security. The enhanced vetting aims to enable consular officers to better identify visa applicants with histories of anti-Semitic behavior or violence.
Consular officers are also instructed to scrutinize applicants whose social media accounts are private, requesting them to make such accounts public to facilitate transparent evaluation of their backgrounds.
The move represents a significant escalation in the administration’s ongoing scrutiny of Harvard University. Recent actions include freezing millions of dollars in grants and funding, attempts to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status, and investigations into alleged discrimination against certain demographic groups. Additionally, prior steps have involved revoking Harvard’s authorization to enroll foreign students, later overturned by judicial intervention.
This enhanced screening directive aligns with broader immigration policy measures aimed at tightening visa regulations, particularly concerning students and academics with perceived links to foreign entities or ideologies considered incompatible with U.S. national interests.
