By: Patricia Gannon, Esq., Marcela Bermudez, Esq., and Hector Chichoni, Esq.
Presidential Proclamation on Travel Restrictions
President Donald J. Trump has signed a proclamation implementing a travel ban aimed at protecting the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats. This measure targets specific countries while allowing for certain exceptions.
The proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from the following 12 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- The Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, the proclamation partially restricts the entry of individuals from the following seven countries:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
For further details and specific exceptions, please refer to the fact sheet here.
Presidential Proclamation Halts Visa Issuance for Harvard-Bound Foreign Nationals
On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation suspending the issuance of F, M, and J visas for foreign nationals seeking to study at Harvard University (The White House). The suspension is effective immediately and will last for at least six months, subject to extension.
The proclamation cites national security concerns, alleging that Harvard failed to comply with federal reporting requirements regarding misconduct and potential threats involving foreign students. It applies only to new students entering the U.S. to attend Harvard and does not impact those enrolling at other institutions.
The Secretary of State may consider individual exceptions, and current Harvard students on F, M, or J visas may face possible revocation if they fall under the criteria outlined. A recommendation on whether to extend the suspension is expected within 90 days. In the meantime, affected students are advised to consult their institutions or legal counsel to understand how this may impact their visa status.
The New F-1 Student VISA Restrictions Issued by the U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State (USDOS) recently implemented a temporary pause on scheduling new student visa interviews at embassies and consulates worldwide, effective May 27, 2025, as directed by Secretary Marco Rubio. The visa restrictions primarily impact students and exchange visitors (principals and dependents) applying for F, J, and M visas.
This action is part of a broader national security initiative aimed at enhancing social media and security vetting processes for visa applicants.
More concerning is, however, that on May 28, 2025, Secretary Rubio made it clear that USDOS would “work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” We believe that “critical fields” may include, if not all, almost all, STEM fields.
The USDOS intends to expand the screening of student applicants’ social media before resuming interviews. This screening is going to cause a great deal of disruption and delays. Universities, colleges, and other educational establishments and institutions must be prepared to deal not only from an administrative and immigration compliance, but also from an economic standpoint.
Impact on Students
Foreign students and universities should be advised that applicants whose interviews have not been canceled may also be affected by potential denials. However, this is a time of extreme compliance when proceeding for scheduled interviews.
Further, new applicants may experience delays until further guidance is issued regarding the new vetting procedures. The duration of the pause is currently unclear, and it may cause significant delays for student visa processing, particularly for those planning to begin studies in the upcoming academic year.
Important Observations
Students with confirmed interview appointments, if any, may have no other option but to attend the interview. Again, preparation in terms of the evidence needed for the interview cannot be overemphasized enough. Again, no new appointments will be scheduled until further guidance is issued by USDOS and should not be expected until the pause is lifted.
Students already in the U.S. with a valid F-1 visa and in valid status in the United States who do not need to travel internationally at this time may consider waiting until the pause is lifted to avoid potential delays.
It is important to note that the situation is still developing, and further details regarding the new vetting procedures and the duration of the pause are expected soon. In the meantime, students as well as administrators of educational establishments are counseled to abide strictly to U.S. immigration law, rules, and regulations.