Latest news with #ExchangeVisitorProgram
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Explained: What is the J-1 visa and why is Harvard's use of it under scrutiny?
Trump opens new investigation into Harvard's use of international visa programs. The J-1 visa, once a symbol of educational exchange and soft diplomacy — is now at the center of a growing political battle between the US government and one of its most prestigious universities. As the State Department launches an investigation into Harvard's compliance with the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, international students and academics around the world are watching closely. Here's what the J-1 visa is, how it works, and why it's being politicised now. What is the J-1 visa and who uses it? The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to foreign nationals participating in approved cultural and educational exchange programs. It was created in 1961 under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The program aims to promote mutual understanding between the US and other countries through academic, research, and cultural experiences. It is used by: Visiting scholars and postdoctoral researchers University students on short-term exchanges Professors and lecturers Medical trainees Teachers, interns, au pairs, and summer workers In 2024 alone, over 300,000 exchange visitors entered the US on J-1 visas. Why does Harvard use the J-1 visa program? Harvard, like many top US universities, relies heavily on the J-1 visa to host international scholars, researchers, and visiting faculty. These individuals often come to the university for: Academic fellowships Joint research projects Global think tank collaborations Guest lectures or temporary teaching positions Many graduate students, especially in the sciences and humanities, also participate in short-term academic exchanges using the J-1 visa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Even Beautiful Women Have Their 'Oops' Moments Read More Undo For Harvard, the visa program is crucial to maintaining its global academic networks and upholding its identity as an international research powerhouse. Why is the US government investigating Harvard? On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department had launched a formal investigation into Harvard's sponsorship of J-1 visa holders. The department will assess whether Harvard has complied with regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program and whether its actions undermine US foreign policy objectives or compromise national security. In May, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the university's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a move that was quickly overturned by a federal judge. This was followed by a presidential proclamation aimed specifically at Harvard, seeking to restrict the entry of foreign students associated with the university. Around the same time, the administration froze more than $2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard, further escalating tensions. These measures were set against the backdrop of Harvard's refusal to comply with the demands of a federal task force, which had proposed government oversight of its admissions and hiring practices. The university has strongly pushed back, calling the investigation politically motivated and a violation of its First Amendment rights. How does this affect international students? While the immediate investigation is limited to Harvard, the implications are broader. If the university's sponsorship privileges are suspended or restricted, thousands of students and scholars could lose their visa status, face travel disruptions, or be barred from entering the US. It also creates uncertainty for future applicants considering the US as a destination for education, research, or career growth. For now, Harvard is continuing to support its international community and helping students prepare for the fall semester. The bigger picture: Education, politics, and global talent This isn't just a visa issue, it's a reflection of a larger battle over academic freedom, immigration, and national identity. With the Trump administration taking a harder stance on elite universities, particularly those perceived as politically or culturally oppositional, visa programs have become part of the leverage. International education advocates worry that this could lead to a chilling effect on US higher education, driving top global talent to countries like Canada, Australia, or Germany. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why the US is targeting Harvard's J-1 visa programme amid broader political tensions
The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's use of the J-1 visa programme under the Exchange Visitor Program. The move is part of a broader federal campaign targeting Harvard's international activities, including its ties to China and student protest records. The University has been ordered to submit records within a week. The probe follows earlier visa-related actions and has already affected funding, legal proceedings, and international scholar entry into the US. The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program, which allows institutions to sponsor J-1 visas for international scholars, researchers, and certain students. The investigation, made public on a Wednesday, is the latest development in a series of federal actions scrutinising the University's international activities. As reported by The Harvard Crimson, the State Department did not allege specific misconduct in its public statement but said the inquiry aims to ensure such visa programmes 'do not run contrary to our nation's interests.' The department also reasserted that all sponsors must comply fully with visa regulations and support US foreign policy and national security objectives. J-1 visa programme under federal scrutiny The J-1 visa programme is part of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), which promotes cultural and educational exchange. Harvard, along with other universities, uses the programme to bring in international scholars and educators. The current investigation forms part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to exert oversight over institutions hosting foreign nationals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo According to The Harvard Crimson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Harvard President Alan M. Garber in a letter that the University must submit a comprehensive set of records related to its J-1 visa sponsorships within one week. A State Department spokesperson declined to specify what exact records have been requested. Connection to wider federal action This inquiry into the EVP follows earlier actions targeting Harvard's involvement in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a separate system managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees international student records for F-1 and M-1 visa holders. Harvard does not host students under M-1 visas. The Trump administration has raised concerns linking Harvard's international programmes to broader foreign policy and national security issues. The Harvard Crimson reported that the administration considers statements such as calls to cut military aid to Israel potentially valid grounds for revoking visas. The administration has also flagged Harvard's connections with China as possible national security risks. Obstacles faced by international visa holders Prior to the announcement of the State Department probe, international scholars on J-1 visas and students on F-1 visas had already begun encountering difficulties. In June, at least two incoming scholars were turned away at Boston airport, though Harvard later confirmed they were expected to be granted entry, according to The Harvard Crimson. In response to the investigation, Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton described the move as 'retaliatory' and argued it violates the University's First Amendment rights. He said Harvard 'continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community,' as quoted by The Harvard Crimson. Broader federal pressure on Harvard continues As reported by The Harvard Crimson, federal agencies have issued multiple demands to Harvard, including a subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requesting records on international students' post-graduation work under Optional Practical Training, as well as videos of student protests dating back to 2020. DHS previously warned the University it could lose its SEVP certification unless it produced detailed internal communications and protest records. After Harvard submitted a partial response, the DHS deemed the reply insufficient. In late May, the department revoked Harvard's SEVP certification, followed by an executive order by President Trump restricting entry for Harvard-bound students. A federal judge has since granted preliminary relief, blocking both actions. Investigations impact funding and institutional operations The federal crackdown has significantly affected Harvard's research funding. The University has filed a lawsuit in response to the freeze, with the case currently pending. The government's actions have already resulted in a loss of over $2 billion in federal research grants, The Harvard Crimson reported. Congress and federal agencies have opened more than a dozen investigations into Harvard, including probes into hiring and admissions practices, links to foreign governments, and antisemitism allegations. Senator Rubio has been directly involved, urging further scrutiny, including a recent call for the Treasury Department to investigate a Harvard-hosted event involving sanctioned Chinese officials. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Trump administration opens investigation into Harvard's visa program eligibility
The US Department of State announced that it is opening an investigation into Harvard's eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program, marking US President Donald Trump's latest escalation against the Ivy League institution. read more A Harvard sign is seen at the Harvard University campus in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 27. Image used for representation. (Source: AFP) The US Department of State is opening an investigation into Harvard University's 'continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program.' On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move, marking US President Donald Trump's latest escalation against the Ivy League institution. The Trump administration has already been facing legal challenges over its attempts to block the university's ability to host international students. 'The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation's interests,' the top US diplomat said in a statement without offering further details about the investigation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The move came after the Trump administration first revoked Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program status in May. However, the order was blocked by the US federal judge Allison Burroughs. 'All sponsors participating in this program 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 program was founded,' Rubio said in the Wednesday statement. Trump vs Harvard In the past, the administration cited antisemitism on campus as a reason for halting the school's international student program. The Trump administration also accused Harvard of not providing the government with required information about its international students. 'To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States,' Rubio maintained. 'The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students,' he added. In the past, the State Department investigation specifically targeted people under J-1 visas, which the university says is 'to bring foreign nationals as professors, researchers, specialists and students to the University.' It is separate from the F-1 visa program that is strictly for students and is largely administered by the Department of Homeland Security. 'This investigation is yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights,' said Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton in a statement Wednesday. 'Harvard continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community and support them as they apply for U.S. visas and travel to campus this fall,' the statement continued. 'The University is committed to continuing to comply with the applicable Exchange Visitor Program regulations.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
State Department to investigate Harvard's use of international J-1 visas
The State Department on Wednesday opened a new investigation into Harvard University's eligibility as a sponsor of visas through the Exchange Visitor Program, intensifying the Trump administration's battle with the Ivy League institution. In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said all program sponsors need to comply with government regulations and ensure they do not undermine U.S. foreign policy or compromise the country's national security interests. 'The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students. The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation's interests,' the statement said. It did not outline any specific misconduct on Harvard's part. In an emailed statement Wednesday, Harvard said it remains committed to compliance with all Exchange Visitor Program regulations. 'This investigation is yet another retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights,' a spokesperson said, adding that the university continues to enroll and sponsor international scholars, researchers and students. The Exchange Visitor Program provides nonimmigrant visas, also known as J-1 visas, for those coming to the United States in various educational and cultural capacities, including as students, professors, au pairs, camp counselors, interns and researchers. President Donald Trump's targeting of higher education institutions to bring them in line with his political agenda has involved actions such as freezing of billions of dollars in federal research funding. His administration has tried to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students and has focused on visa applications related to the nation's oldest university for additional federal scrutiny. Harvard has pushed back against the administration's claims, including that it is not taking sufficient action against antisemitism on campus. This week, in a case that could have significant ramifications for higher education in the U.S., Harvard's lawyers argued that the Trump administration's reasons for withholding federal funding were 'cooked up' and unconstitutional. The hearing before U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs concluded without a ruling. In May, when the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's ability to admit international students, the university sued and won a temporary block of the ban. There are more than 10,000 foreign students and scholars from over 150 countries at Harvard in the current academic year, according to its data. Days later, the State Department directed its embassies and consulates to undertake extra scrutiny of visa applicants requesting travel to Harvard, including students, faculty, workers, guest speakers and tourists. Last month, Trump issued a proclamation — which typically does not have the force of law — seeking to restrict the entry of international students and scholars looking to study or research at Harvard. Soon afterward, a court blocked the administration from targeting student visas, following which the State Department instructed consulates to resume processing such applications. Harvard says it has taken numerous steps to address antisemitism in the wake of campus protests last year over the war in Gaza. Earlier this month, the Harvard Crimson reported that the school told international students to expect enhanced screening at Boston Logan International Airport and warned them that their social media could be vetted for pro-Palestinian posts. While Harvard's legal fights continue, other institutions have sought to compromise with the administration. Columbia University on Wednesday agreed to pay the federal government more than $200 million to settle a dispute over funding. The deal reinstates most of the $400 million in frozen research grants and closes investigations into the school. Amy B Wang contributed to this report.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
US probes Harvard over visiting scholar program compliance
WASHINGTON: The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's visiting scholar program, scrutinising whether the institution complies with federal regulations. The probe is part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on elite universities accused of liberal bias and alleged failures in safeguarding national interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the investigation will assess if Harvard's Exchange Visitor Program aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives. 'The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students,' Rubio said. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Harvard and other top universities, accusing some of antisemitism and threatening federal funding cuts. The administration has already frozen over US$2 billion in grants to Harvard and attempted to block international students from enrolling by removing the university from an electronic immigration registry. Harvard has resisted these measures, filing lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies. The university argues the administration's actions are unlawful and unconstitutional, particularly concerning visa denials for international students. The investigation follows allegations that Harvard failed to protect Jewish students amid protests against Israel's war in Gaza. The administration insists its measures are legally justified, while Harvard maintains its commitment to academic freedom and compliance with federal laws. A Harvard spokesperson did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment on the State Department's latest move. -AFP
