US announces investigation into Harvard's use of international visas, gives one-week deadline for details

The Donald Trump administration Wednesday announced opening a new investigation into Harvard University’s use of international visas amid the ongoing faceoff. This is the the third aggressive action from the government between the administration and the university.

".@StateDept is opening an investigation into Harvard’s authority to sponsor exchange visas. Visa sponsorship is a privilege, and sponsors whose conduct tarnishes our nation’s interests will lose that privilege," secretary of state Marco Rubio announced.

Marco Rubio shot off a letter to Dr Alan M Garber, the president of Harvard, notifying him about the fresh investigation. The letter did not mention any specific allegations of wrongdoing, the New York Times reported.

It said the inquiry was necessary to assist the department in meeting its policy objectives.

What is the international visa program?

The investigation targets Exchange Visitor Program under which Harvard has many students, professors and interns. Rubio gave the university a one-week deadline to submit the list of university records related to the student visa program. He said the department plans to interview university staff associated with the program and also may want to speak with visa holders.