US directs embassies to resume processing visas for Harvard students

The US State Department has directed embassies and consulates worldwide to immediately resume processing student and exchange visitor visas for individuals attending Harvard University, following a federal court order temporarily blocking a Trump-era visa restriction, as per reports.

The directive comes after US District Judge Allison Burroughs had issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) halting the enforcement of the administration’s attempt to prevent international students and researchers from entering the United States to study at Harvard.

A diplomatic cable sent to consular posts on Friday, reportedly signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructed that “no such applications should be refused,” citing compliance with the court’s ruling. It confirmed a return to “standard processing” of student and exchange visitor visas for Harvard affiliates.

This new guidance replaces an earlier directive issued earlier in the week, which had instructed diplomatic posts to deny visa applications for individuals traveling to Harvard under the presidential proclamation.

The State Department’s compliance with the court order comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Harvard University and the Trump administration over policies affecting international students.