Trump signs order suspending visas for foreign students coming to Harvard

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a visa ban for foreign students planning to start studies at Harvard University, stepping up his tough stance on the prestigious institution.

“I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor programme hosted by Harvard University,” Trump said in a statement.

The Trump administration has been in a long-running clash with universities, especially Harvard.

Trump has often criticised the Ivy League school, which has pushed back against his administration’s efforts to influence its admissions, curriculum, and research.

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In a new order, Trump said foreign students coming to Harvard through the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme would be banned from entering the US, effective immediately. The order also said current international students at Harvard may have their visas reviewed and possibly revoked.

Trump claimed the move was needed for national security, saying Harvard had refused to share enough information about alleged misconduct by some foreign students.

Just last week, a judge blocked Trump’s earlier attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students.