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The US State Department on Friday issued instructions to all US consulates abroad to begin additional screening of those who have applied for visas to attend Harvard University, for any reason.
According to a diplomatic cable obtained by Reuters, this is another move that expands President Donald Trump's crackdown on the university.
In a cable dated today and sent to all US diplomatic and consular missions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio orders that "additional vetting" begin immediately for individuals who have applied for a "non-immigrant visa" and "wish to travel to Harvard University for any purpose."
Such applications may be submitted by prospective students, individuals already studying at the university, employees, contractors, guest speakers, and even tourists.
Harvard University has failed to maintain "a campus environment free of violence and anti-Semitism," the cable claims, noting that the increased screening measures are intended to help consular officials identify visa applicants who have a "history of anti-Semitic harassment and violence."
In the past, the US has required additional background checks on people from certain countries. Applying such procedures against Harvard appears to be an unprecedented use of the visa process against a university that has come under fire.
According to the telegram, consular officials should consider questioning the applicant's credibility if their social media accounts are not public.
"If you are not fully satisfied that the applicant, while in the United States, will engage in activities consistent with his or her nonimmigrant visa status, you must deny the visa," the text states.
Recently, Rubio has stated that he has personally revoked the visas of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people - including students - because they were involved in activities that conflict with American foreign policy priorities.
"If you come here to cause trouble, you're probably going to get in trouble," Rubio told reporters on April 7.
Harvard Dean: "Welcome members... from all over the world"
At the same time, Harvard's dean launched an "attack" on the US president, following the Trump administration's efforts to ban the university from accepting foreign students, a plan that was blocked by a federal judge.
Speaking at the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025, Alan Garber addressed the students and members of the Harvard community, saying: “Welcome members of the Class of 2025... from across the country and around the world.” His words were met with loud applause, and then he repeated: “from around the world, as it should be.”
The crowd applauded the rector again.
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