In a decree dated June 4, local time, President Trump suspended the entry of foreign students or exchange students planning to attend Harvard, unless his administration determined that the entry was serve the interests of the nation.
The decree also directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider revoking visas for students in the US. The decree will expire after 6 months but is likely to be extended.
The decree accused Harvard University, a prestigious Ivy League school, of no longer being a reliable unit in managing student programs and international exchanges, saying it did not report student discipline records to the federal government and criticized the school for its ties to researchers in China.
The Harvard spokesman called the decree another illegal retaliation by the government, violating Harvard's First Amendment right. Harvard will continue to protect its international students, the spokesperson said.
The Trump administration has repeatedly sought to limit Harvard's ability to enroll international students. This is a serious threat to Harvard, where more than a quarter of students are from other countries.
Last month, the US Department of Homeland Security sought to revoke Harvard's certification in the federal government's student visa system.
A judge blocked the policy after Harvard filed a lawsuit, arguing that the decree was unconstitutional and would seriously and immediately impact Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.
Last week, the US State Department directed embassies and consulates to conduct additional checks for anyone who wants to go to Harvard, including students studying or planning to study, lecturers, guest speakers, and even tourists.
The Trump administration has been in dispute with Harvard for months, seeking to cut billions of dollars in federal funding.
The funding cut came after the school rejected the US government's requests to change the disciplinary process, end the diversity, fairness and Inclusion (DEI) program, and conduct an external audit of several scientists.
The government has also strongly criticized Harvard's handling of pro-Palestinian protests and said the school has failed to properly address the situation of Israelite Studies on campus.
However, Harvard believes the school is being punished for its statements protected under the First Amendment.
