Proclamation: “ENHANCING NATIONAL SECURITY BY ADDRESSING RISKS AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY”

June 5, 2025

President Trump’s war with Harvard continues. “President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to safeguard national security by suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University. ” Here is the proclamation. After an extensive preamble lambasting Harvard and making Cambridge sound like a crime den, the Proclamation states that

“I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University. Such restrictions are authorized under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), which authorize the President to suspend entry of any class of aliens whose entry would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard’s conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers. Until such time as the university shares the information that the Federal Government requires to safeguard national security and the American public, it is in the national interest to deny foreign nationals access to Harvard under the auspices of educational exchange.”

Late last month, a federal court halted the Trump administration’s effort to bar Harvard’s enrollment in international students. It will be litigated, I bet, how that order is affected by President Trump’s proclamation.

Update (June 5, 4;20 p.m. PST): Harvard’s response:

Harvard University - Office of the President

Dear Members of the Harvard Community,

Last night, the White House issued a proclamation suspending entry to the United States for any international student studying at Harvard University on an F or J visa. Singling out our institution for its enrollment of international students and its collaboration with other educational institutions around the world is yet another illegal step taken by the Administration to retaliate against Harvard.

As you know, we recently obtained a temporary restraining order enjoining the Administration’s illegal revocation of Harvard’s Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) certification. Last night’s proclamation circumvents that court order. Today, we have amended our lawsuit and will ask the court to immediately halt the enforcement of the proclamation. We hope the court will act swiftly.

While the court considers our request, contingency plans are being developed to ensure that international students and scholars can continue to pursue their work at Harvard this summer and through the coming academic year. School leadership will provide updates on this planning. In addition, the Harvard International Office will be in touch directly with students and scholars who may be affected by the proclamation, also issued last night, banning travel of citizens from certain countries to the United States.

Each of us is part of a truly global university community. We know that the benefits of bringing talented people together from around the world are unique and irreplaceable. International students and scholars make outstanding contributions inside and outside of our classrooms and laboratories, fulfilling our mission of excellence in countless ways. We will celebrate them, support them, and defend their interests as we continue to assert our Constitutional rights.

Sincerely,
Alan M. Garber

UPDATE (June 6, 2;15 PST). The district court entered a TRO halting implementation of the President’s proclamation.

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