The US State Department has instructed diplomatic posts to resume processing visas for Harvard University students and exchange visitors after a judge blocked President Trump’s attempt to restrict international students. The new instruction replaced an earlier directive to refuse visas for Harvard-bound applicants, following the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs.
A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio states that “effective immediately, consular sections must resume processing Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas.” The appropriate processing of student visas for individuals planning to attend Harvard University, in accordance with court orders, has been a matter of concern in the ongoing legal dispute between Harvard and the Trump administration.
Prior to the recent developments, Harvard informed Burroughs of some challenges faced by visa applicants. Burroughs expressed her concern that prospective Harvard students overseas had encountered difficulties obtaining visas from certain US embassies a few weeks ago. However, the judge has issued an order for the administration to maintain the status for the university’s international student body.
