BURSTThe State Department announced on Wednesday it is investigating whether Harvard should be allowed to enroll international students.
The department said it is looking into Harvard’s “continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program.”
The Exchange Visitor Program allows foreign students to come to the U.S. and enroll in the country’s universities.
The State Department did not give a reason for the investigation, but stated sponsors have to “fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded.”
“To maintain their privilege to sponsor exchange visitors, sponsors must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a manner that does not undermine the foreign policy objectives or compromise the national security interests of the United States,” the announcement continued.
“The American people have the right to expect their universities to uphold national security, comply with the law, and provide safe environments for all students. The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests,” it added.
The Hill has reached out to Harvard for comment.
The Department of Homeland Security DHS earlier this year attempted to take away Harvard’s ability to enroll or host foreign students at its university, but the initiative was struck down in court.
Around 27 percent of Harvard’s student body is made up of international students.
After the initial (DHS) directive, Harvard said in court filings foreign students declined offers from the university, and other countries attempted to recruit its students.
The new investigation comes after Harvard and the Trump administration went to court over the $3 billion funding freeze to the university, with a judge not yet releasing a ruling on the matter.