Harvard under investigation for role in US visa programme for foreign researchers

India Today

23-07-2025

The US Department of State has opened a formal investigation into Harvard University's participation in the federal Exchange Visitor Programme, raising questions about the Ivy League institution's compliance with national security protocols and programme regulations.The enquiry will assess whether Harvard remains eligible to serve as a sponsor in the programme, which brings thousands of international students and scholars to the United States annually for academic and cultural exchange.advertisementHarvard has come under increasing pressure from Washington since it refused to comply with demands from a federal antisemitism task force in April. The university is now suing for over $2.6 billion in federal funding cuts, accusing the Trump administration of carrying out a campaign of retaliation.
'All sponsors participating in this programme are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the programme was founded,' the State Department said in a statement.The department emphasised that sponsors must not conduct activities that 'undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States.'While the agency has not disclosed what triggered the investigation, the announcement marks a rare public scrutiny of one of the country's most prestigious universities.The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe conditions for all students. "The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation's interests," the department said.Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said the investigation was 'another retaliatory step' taken by the administration. 'Harvard continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community and support them as they apply for US visas and travel to campus this fall,' Newton said in a statement. He said the school is committed to complying with the programme's rules.Brett Bruen, a former director of global engagement under Democratic President Barack Obama, said there is no justification for the administration's action.'It not only damages Harvard, but American higher education & industry that depend on the best & brightest wanting to come here,' Bruen said in a post on X.The Exchange Visitor Programme, also known as the J-1 visa programme, has long been seen as a soft power tool for US diplomacy, building goodwill through academic and cultural ties.- EndsInputs from Associated PressTune InMust Watch