US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a suspension of student visa processing amid a crackdown on foreign students accused of supporting Palestinian militant group Hamas, intensifying tensions with US universities like Harvard.

The Trump administration has revoked hundreds of visas, barred Harvard from admitting non-Americans, and plans to increase social media vetting of international applicants, prompting protests by students concerned about deportation and visa cancellations.

Harvard faces federal contract cuts estimated at $100 million, which the university is legally challenging alongside other funding and recruitment restrictions amid accusations of liberal bias and anti-Semitism.

Legal experts predict courts may overturn these measures, while Harvard alumni and students continue to oppose the administration’s actions, emphasizing the impact on international education and academic freedom.