The US State Department directed diplomatic posts worldwide to “resume processing” Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas on Friday, following a judge’s decision to block President Donald Trump’s recent effort to restrict international students from attending the institution.
The new directive superseded earlier instructions from the same week, which had ordered posts to deny visa applications for Harvard-bound students and researchers, in response to the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs.
“Effective immediately, consular sections must resume processing of Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas,” the cable states, adding that “no such applications should be refused” as the presidential proclamation had ordered.
The cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirms the department’s compliance with the judge’s ruling by reverting to “standard processing,” as outlined in the TRO.
Concerns persist about whether foreign consulates are properly processing student visas for Harvard applicants in line with court orders, amid the ongoing legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration.
Harvard previously reported to Judge Burroughs that visa applicants faced obstacles.
Although Burroughs noted concerns about some US embassies denying visas to prospective Harvard students weeks ago, she has now broadly directed the administration to preserve the status quo for the university’s international student community, with another key court hearing scheduled for next week.
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