Overview

• A State Department cable from Secretary of State Marco Rubio orders U.S. embassies and consulates to suspend scheduling of F, M and J visa appointments until new social media vetting guidelines are issued.
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, forcing roughly 7,000 international students to transfer or risk losing their status.
• Harvard University filed a lawsuit challenging the revocation, arguing the administration’s order violates due process, free speech protections and administrative law.
• The administration has frozen about $3.2 billion in federal grants and contracts with Harvard and directed agencies to cancel an additional $100 million in remaining contracts.
• Universities face potential budget shortfalls as the visa pause and tougher vetting arrive during peak spring enrollment and threaten the $43.8 billion contributed annually by international students.