Harvard Cautions Global Students on Tighter US Border Checks and Online Activity Monitoring
Amid rising concerns around US immigration policy and global student mobility, Harvard University has issued a strong advisory to its international students: be prepared for increased scrutiny at US airports, especially Boston Logan International, and be mindful of your social media presence.
The message came during a high-attendance Zoom webinar, where over 500 students tuned in to hear from Harvard’s International Office Director Maureen Martin and Harvard Representation Initiative staff attorney Jason Corral. The session aimed to prepare students for what to expect when entering the US, in light of recent immigration policy changes and legal uncertainties involving Harvard’s visa certifications.
Device and Social Media Checks at the Border
Students were warned about enhanced screening procedures by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. These include possible inspections of phones, laptops, deleted files, and even wiped drives. More notably, CBP may also vet students’ social media profiles, particularly for content touching on sensitive political issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
During the session, officials cited an incident where a Harvard researcher was denied entry into the US due to past posts on that topic. As a precaution, students were advised to avoid sharing or engaging in provocative humor, violent rhetoric, or controversial opinions online—even if those posts are years old or deleted.
Though it remains unclear if CBP uses artificial intelligence or manual processes for these screenings, Harvard officials acknowledged that even their team lacks full insight into the scope and depth of the digital vetting process.
Boston Logan Flagged for More Frequent Incidents
Among all entry points, Boston Logan Airport—the nearest major airport to Harvard—was noted as having a higher number of reported incidents involving international students. While airports like JFK (New York) and O’Hare (Chicago) were considered less problematic, Corral later clarified to Bloomberg that no conclusive data proves one airport is stricter than another.
However, as a precautionary measure, students from certain countries—particularly Iran—were advised to consider arriving through alternative US airports when possible.
Visa Delays Add to the Uncertainty
Adding to student anxieties is the recent halt in US visa processing, which paused unexpectedly in late May and resumed only after three weeks. This delay occurred during a critical window when thousands of international students were preparing for the Fall 2025 semester.
Martin and Corral encouraged students to book any available visa appointment, even if scheduled after classes begin. Doing so, they explained, allows students to request expedited processing, which could improve their chances of timely entry.
Harvard also acknowledged a surge in student inquiries about deferring admissions or transferring to other institutions, indicating growing concerns over the reliability of the US as a study destination.
Legal Threats to Harvard’s Visa Sponsorship Status
Further complicating matters is an ongoing legal battle involving Harvard’s ability to host international students. On May 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the process to revoke Harvard’s SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification, which is essential for sponsoring F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
Though Harvard secured temporary relief through legal action, the DHS followed up with a 30-day compliance review, which has now concluded. The university has stated it is “actively engaging in the administrative process in good faith” and is prepared to pursue further legal avenues if necessary.
Presidential Proclamations and Legal Limbo
To add to the complexity, a presidential proclamation issued in early June barred F and J visa holders sponsored by Harvard from entering the US. Although this was temporarily halted by the courts, the administration has appealed, leaving students in a state of legal limbo.
Corral admitted that there is no clear timeline for when these legal issues will be resolved—or what the ultimate outcome will be. If Harvard loses its certification, the impact would be immediate and far-reaching.
“Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, your ability to remain enrolled or begin your program at Harvard would be severely affected,” Corral warned.
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