The State Department has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to enhance the vetting process for anyone applying for visas to attend Harvard University, as detailed in an email obtained by CBS News.
In a communication dated May 29 from the office of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, consular officials were directed to implement “additional vetting” for individuals seeking visas for any purpose related to Harvard. This directive encompasses not only students and faculty but also employees, contractors, guest speakers, and even tourists.
The email emphasized that consular officers must conduct thorough reviews of the online presence of all nonimmigrant visa applicants intending to travel to Harvard. It also advised that a lack of online visibility or restricted social media accounts might indicate evasiveness, potentially undermining the applicant’s credibility. Furthermore, applicants may be asked to make their social media profiles public during the vetting process.
This new Harvard-focused vetting protocol is designed to serve as a “pilot for expanded screening and vetting” of visa applicants more broadly, including those seeking student visas. The State Department noted that similar measures could be eventually applied to other visa applicant groups as deemed necessary and compliant with U.S. law.
A source familiar with the email, who spoke to CBS News on the condition of anonymity, expressed skepticism regarding the uniform application of these vetting procedures across U.S. consular posts globally, particularly if this pilot initiative is extended to other universities.
Earlier this week, the State Department alerted embassies that preparations were underway for “expanded social media vetting” of student visa applicants, temporarily halting new student visa appointments. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commented on this development, stating, “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
The decision to heighten vetting procedures at Harvard stems from two executive orders signed by President Trump. One of these orders mandated stricter visa vetting criteria, while the other aimed to combat antisemitism, as highlighted in the email. The message referenced concerns raised by the Department of Homeland Security regarding Harvard’s purported inability to maintain a campus environment free from violence and antisemitism.
In response to inquiries about the specific focus on Harvard for additional vetting, a State Department spokesperson declined to comment on internal documents. The Trump administration has increasingly scrutinized Harvard, accusing the institution of neglecting what it perceives as widespread antisemitic behavior on campus.
Recently, the administration attempted to restrict Harvard’s capacity to enroll foreign students, a significant threat given that international students make up over 25% of its population. However, a judge has since blocked this order following a lawsuit filed by the university. Additionally, the Trump administration has suspended federal funding to the Ivy League school.
The push to revoke the visa status of thousands of international students—including many flagged for minor legal transgressions—was also halted by judicial intervention. Rubio indicated on Wednesday that the State Department would “aggressively revoke” visas for certain Chinese students, particularly those in “critical fields” or connected to the Chinese Communist Party. This move was condemned by China’s embassy as “politically motivated and discriminatory.”
Moreover, some international students associated with pro-Palestinian protests have experienced detention under a law that allows the revocation of visas for those perceived to pose “adverse foreign policy consequences.”
When asked by reporters earlier this week whether he supports international students in the U.S., Trump affirmed his stance: “We want to have great students here, we just don’t want students that are causing trouble.” He reiterated his belief that Harvard has not behaved appropriately, reiterating his call to redirect funding from Harvard to trade schools. “Harvard’s trying to be a big shot,” he said.