US embassies to resume processing Harvard student visas
In compliance to an order issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs, the government of the United States has required the country’s consulate services at its embassies to resume processing of visas for intending international students of Harvard University.
“Effective immediately, consular sections must resume processing of Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas,” the cable states, adding that “no such applications should be refused” as the presidential proclamation had ordered.
The cable to embassies ordering diplomatic posts around the world to “resume processing” of Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday after a judge halted President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to block international students from coming to the institution.
The new guidance replaced earlier orders on diplomatic posts to refuse visa applicants for students and researchers going to Harvard.
Due to the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs, the Trump administration would now return to “standard processing.”
US State Department said the reversal in accordance with the TRO, demonstrates that the department is adhering to the judge’s ruling.
Whether the foreign consulates are appropriately processing student visas for people planning to come to Harvard, pursuant to court orders, has been a concern in the ongoing court fight between Harvard and the Trump administration.
Harvard had noted to Burroughs there was some difficulty for visa-seekers before the latest moves.
Burroughs said she was concerned that potential Harvard students abroad had been unable to get visas from some US embassies a few weeks ago.
But the judge has instead ordered the administration more broadly to keep the status quo for the university’s international student population. Another major court hearing is set for next week.
