US State Department orders embassies to resume processing Harvard student visas

The US State Department has directed its embassies and consulates across the globe to resume issuing student and exchange visitor visas for individuals affiliated with Harvard University.

This decision follows a federal judge’s ruling that temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to block international students from entering the US to study at the institution.According to a department cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, consular sections were instructed to begin immediate processing of these visas. The message emphasized that "no such applications should be refused" under the presidential proclamation, citing compliance with the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs.

As reported by CNN, the updated guidance replaces earlier instructions that had directed embassies to deny visa applications from prospective Harvard students and researchers.Court ruling forces reversal of visa restrictionsThe directive from the State Department reflects a shift prompted by the federal court’s intervention. The TRO, granted by Judge Burroughs, blocks enforcement of the administration’s earlier visa restrictions and mandates a return to standard visa procedures.

According to CNN, the cable specifically notes that this return to "standard processing" aligns with the judge’s order, highlighting the department’s compliance with the judicial directive.The broader legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration continues to unfold. As CNN reported, a key concern raised during the court proceedings has been whether US diplomatic posts were following legal orders and properly handling visa requests for students headed to Harvard.

Judge Burroughs expressed worry that prospective international students were being turned away, despite the court’s instruction to maintain the status quo for Harvard’s foreign student population.Harvard reports visa difficulties amid legal challengeHarvard University had earlier informed the court that students and researchers attempting to enter the US were encountering significant challenges at various embassies. These issues reportedly occurred even after the TRO was issued.

According to CNN, the university alerted Judge Burroughs that the instructions to deny visas were still being followed in some cases, causing concern for the institution’s global academic community.Judge Burroughs voiced concern over this potential noncompliance, stating that students should not be prevented from obtaining visas while the legal process continues. As reported by CNN, she emphasized the need for consistent and lawful handling of visa cases by consular officials.Next court hearing to address ongoing concerns

With a major court hearing expected in the coming days, the dispute between the Trump administration and Harvard over international student access remains unresolved. The legal outcome could have broader implications for how US consulates interpret and implement executive immigration actions, especially those that affect educational institutions and global academic exchange.