Trump administration to begin probe into Harvard University's visa program eligibility

Donald Trump

The Trump administration is starting a probe into Harvard University’s “continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an announcement on Wednesday.

The announcement has come amid the ongoing legal challenges against the government’s 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,” Runio said, in his announcement. However, no more details about the probe have been revealed as of now.

In his statement, Runio said, "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."

“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,” he added.

He further said, "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.

Earlier in May, the Trump administration had revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program status. However, the decision was blocked by federal judge Allison Burroughs.

The administration earlier cited antisemitism on campus as a reason for putting the university's international student program in jeopardy. It had also claimed that Harvard did not provide the government with required information about its international students.

In previous court filings, Harvard attorneys have said that they have provided the State Department with all student information required by law and have made efforts to deal with antisemitic activity, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, Rubio's statement has come one day after Harvard and a government attorney argued in federal court on another lawsuit, with the university saying the Trump administration violated legal procedures in freezing more than $2 million in federal grants.

CNN has reported that Judge Burroughs, who is also presiding over the funding case, has not said when she will make a ruling.