Harvard advises International students to avoid Boston airport amid heightened scrutiny

Harvard

Harvard University has issued a travel advisory to its international students, recommending they avoid entering the U.S. through Boston’s Logan International Airport due to reports of increased scrutiny. Instead, the university suggests using alternative entry points such as New York’s JFK, Chicago O’Hare, or Los Angeles International Airport.

The advisory was reportedly shared during a private call organized by Harvard’s international office and the Harvard Law School Immigration and Refugee Clinic, according to a Bloomberg report. The session aimed to help students navigate potential visa and immigration issues, particularly amid rising tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration.

During the call, Harvard staff warned that U.S. State Department officials may review social media accounts as part of the visa process. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers also have the authority to inspect electronic devices such as phones and laptops and may deny entry based on content found. Posts perceived as “pro-Palestinian,” antisemitic, or critical of the U.S. could raise red flags. Officials cautioned that erasing device data before travel may also invite suspicion.

Students from countries like Iran and China received additional guidance. Jason Corral, a staff attorney at Harvard Law School, advised Iranian students in particular to avoid Logan Airport, where they have reportedly faced more scrutiny. Students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or artificial intelligence were urged to exercise added caution during international travel.

The advisory follows Harvard’s recent legal win—a preliminary court injunction blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent the university from enrolling foreign students. The university remains under heightened political pressure, with the administration revoking over $2.6 billion in research funding and questioning its tax-exempt status while criticizing its diversity and academic policies.