The US State Department has directed all US consulates overseas to initiate enhanced screening for visa applicants wishing to travel to Harvard University for any reason, as revealed in a diplomatic cable acquired by Reuters. This measure expands President Donald Trump’s efforts to scrutinize the university.
In a cable dated today and addressed to all US diplomatic missions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has requested that “enhanced screening” begin immediately for individuals applying for “non-immigrant visas” who intend to visit Harvard University.
Applicants may include prospective students, current students, faculty, contractors, guest speakers, and even tourists.
The cable asserts that Harvard University has not succeeded in ensuring “a campus atmosphere free of violence and anti-Semitism,” indicating that the enhanced screening will assist consular officers in identifying visa applicants with a “history of anti-Semitic harassment and violence.”
Previously, the US has mandated additional screenings for individuals from specific countries. However, applying these protocols against Harvard marks an unprecedented action against a university that has faced significant criticism.
The cable advises consular officials to question the credibility of applicants if their social media accounts are not publicly accessible. “If you are not fully convinced that the applicant will engage in activities consistent with their nonimmigrant visa status while in the U.S., you should deny the visa,” the document states.
Recently, Rubio has mentioned revoking the visas of hundreds, possibly thousands, of individuals—including students—who have participated in activities that clash with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
“If you come here to cause trouble, you’re likely to encounter trouble,” Rubio told reporters on April 7.
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