Navigating Admissions in the Trump Era: A Calm Look at the Facts

You may have seen alarming headlines recently about a new policy targeting Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, as well as reports of a temporary pause in the booking of student visa appointments. We know this news is unsettling, especially for those hoping to study in the United States.

Below is a summary of the situation, what we know so far, and what it means for your family. As always, Ivy Options is here to help you manage any uncertainty with clarity and calm. 

Harvard’s SEVP Revocation

On May 22nd, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Trump administration would revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorization—which allows the university to enroll international students—citing campus safety concerns and accusations involving antisemitism and foreign student agitation. Harvard, where international students make up around 25 percent of the student body, has called the move unlawful and filed a federal lawsuit. As of May 30th, a U.S. district judge issued a temporary restraining order to block the Administration’s action. At this point, the policy remains under legal review, but has not been implemented, and is specific only to Harvard. It is unclear whether the government will be able to follow through or whether similar demands will be made of other universities.

Meanwhile, Harvard is preparing for a long battle—and change—regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome. It has already reduced graduate enrollment numbers, staffing, and expenses in some departments. According to The Harvard Crimson, Dean Hopi Hoekstra stated that even if Harvard wins its lawsuit to restore federal funds, full funding likely won’t return to previous levels. On May 14th, Harvard President Alan Garber announced he was taking a 25 percent pay cut. 

Many see these actions as a broader move against some ideological perspectives in universities and the funding of higher education as a whole. As of May 2025, there are additional U.S. government legislative proposals to tax the investment income of university endowments, which are currently untaxed for most universities and rise to only 1.4% at a small percentage of private universities.

A New Development: Visa Interview Appointments Temporarily Paused

In a separate, more recent development, multiple press outlets revealed that an official memo from the U.S. State Department ordered a pause in scheduling new visa interview appointments for international students and exchange visitors. The instruction applies globally and affects applicants for F1 visas as well as others for academic and training programs in the United States.

The pause is intended to give embassies time to prepare for increased social media screening as part of the visa application process. Students who have already booked visa appointments are not affected. Thus far, the situation is described as temporary and procedural (one to two weeks, according to some media sources), but families understandably feel uneasy given the timing and broader political climate.

In a separate official statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to begin revoking visas for Chinese students, particularly those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or enrolled in strategically sensitive fields. This policy could affect a significant number of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. universities; if implemented, it will also affect the finances of U.S. universities: Chinese students represent approximately 25 percent of international students in the USA.

What This Means for Families: Caution, Not Panic

The current situation is not a reason to abandon your U.S. university plans. So far, we have not seen any visa denials among Ivy Options students globally; however, it is important to recognize that the U.S. government is now paying close attention to students’ online behavior as part of its vetting process.

It is also helpful to remember that the current administration has a history of announcing hardline immigration policies that are later retracted, modified, or blocked. In 2020, for example, a directive that would have forced international students to leave the U.S. if their classes were fully online was swiftly reversed after legal action from Harvard, MIT, and other institutions.

There may be a similar trajectory now. Legal challenges are already underway and higher education advocacy groups are mobilizing quickly. Universities have long relied on international students, and they have both legal precedent and public support on their side.

Our Recommendations:

• If you’re a current or incoming international student at a U.S. university: Stay in close contact with your university’s international student office. They will have the most accurate, up-to-date guidance. If your visa appointment is already scheduled, it should go ahead as planned. Continue checking embassy announcements and your university’s updates regularly. Be aware of scam sites that are offering interview options; make sure to rely only on the official consular site. We are hopeful that embassies and consulates will resume offering interview slots again in the next few weeks.

• Be mindful of your social media presence: Avoid engaging with or posting controversial content that could be misunderstood or flagged during screening. Even if it seems harmless, topics could be taken out of context. If you’d rather avoid the risk altogether, consider temporarily deactivating or making your social media accounts private.

• For graduating seniors heading to U.S. universities: Move forward with your plans. At this time, no other institutions beyond Harvard are affected. That said, if you’ve received offers from universities in other countries and would like to explore your options, your Ivy Options counselor is here to help you assess the best path forward.

• For juniors and younger international students: U.S. applications should remain a central part of your university list, but we encourage building a globally balanced strategy. Consider high-quality institutions in Canada, the UK, Europe, and Asia.

Final Thoughts: We’re With You

The situation is serious, but is evolving quickly. International students remain a vital part of U.S. higher education, and universities are already pushing back using a legal system that has consistently supported student rights. As always, we’re here to assist you. If you have questions about your plans, visa application, or social media activity, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Ivy Options counselor.