'Retaliatory step': Trump blocks visas for new foreign students at Harvard; here's how the University responded

Harvard University has reacted to a fresh executive order issued by US president Donald Trump on Wednesday, which temporarily bans the university from admitting new foreign students.

The six-month suspension, according to Harvard officials, is a “retaliatory” act that breaches the university’s constitutional rights."This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard's first amendment rights. Harvard will continue to protect its international students," a Harvard spokesman said.

The executive order cites national security as the reason for the decision.

Trump said, “I have determined that the entry of the class of foreign nationals described above is detrimental to the interests of the United States because, in my judgment, Harvard’s conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers,” Trump wrote in the order. The announcement follows months of tension between the Trump administration and Harvard, beginning with the university’s resistance to demands for internal records and governance changes.

Homeland security had earlier claimed that Harvard failed to fully cooperate with a request for information on misconduct involving international students. Harvard said it responded, but the administration argued the data was insufficient.

Trump’s order affects all foreign students seeking entry to Harvard after the order’s date, though it allows for exceptions if the student’s presence is considered to serve “national interest.” Existing students already in the US may also face visa revocations.The executive order is set to last six months, with a review scheduled within 90 days to assess whether it should be extended.