President Donald Trump has reignited global debate and domestic controversy by signing a sweeping new travel ban that bars entry to the United States for nationals from a dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and the Republic of the Congo. In a parallel move that has stunned the academic world, Trump also issued a proclamation suspending the entry of new international students to Harvard University, citing national security concerns and alleged institutional failings.
The Scope and Rationale of the New Travel Ban
The latest executive order, announced late Sunday, marks the second time Trump has imposed such broad travel restrictions, following his highly contentious 2017 ban. The new proclamation fully bars nationals from 12 countries—Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen—from entering the United States, whether as immigrants or temporary visitors. An additional seven countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, face partial travel restrictions.
The White House justified the ban as a necessary measure to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.” Officials cited recent security incidents, such as an alleged terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, involving a foreign national, as evidence of the need for stricter vetting. The administration emphasized that the affected countries either lack adequate identity management and information-sharing practices or have high rates of visa overstays and poor cooperation on deportations.
The ban is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, with the administration aiming to avoid the airport chaos that marred the 2017 rollout. The order will be subject to periodic review, with the possibility of countries being added or removed based on evolving security assessments.
Harvard International Student Visa Suspension
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, Trump also signed a proclamation suspending the entry of all new international students and exchange visitors to Harvard University. The directive, announced on June 4, instructs the State Department to halt the issuance of academic and exchange visas for those intending to study at Harvard, and to review the status of current international students at the university.
The White House cited a “history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism” at Harvard, referencing warnings from the FBI about adversaries exploiting American universities to steal sensitive information and spread misinformation. The proclamation also pointed to a “significant increase in crime” at Harvard and alleged that the university has failed to adequately cooperate with federal authorities on matters related to foreign students’ activities.
Harvard has vigorously denied the accusations, calling the move a “retaliatory step” in violation of the university’s First Amendment rights. The university noted that international students are vital to its academic mission and warned of the financial and reputational damage such a ban could cause. Harvard currently enrolls nearly 7,000 international students, who contribute significantly to the institution’s diversity and finances.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The dual actions have sparked fierce debate in the United States and abroad. Supporters of the travel ban argue that it is a reasonable and necessary step to safeguard national security, especially in the wake of recent threats and attacks. Critics, however, see the move as discriminatory and reminiscent of the administration’s earlier travel bans, which were widely criticized and challenged in court.
The Harvard visa suspension, in particular, has drawn condemnation from academic leaders and civil liberties advocates, who view it as an unprecedented attack on higher education and international exchange. Several universities around the world have already offered to accept affected students, and legal challenges are expected.
As the new restrictions take effect, the world will be watching closely to see how they impact America’s global standing, its higher education system, and the lives of thousands of individuals seeking to enter the country for safety, opportunity, or academic pursuit. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has signaled that it will continue to prioritize what it calls “commonsense restrictions” in the name of national security—even as critics warn of lasting damage to America’s openness and reputation.