The United States Department sent a letter to the president of Harvard University informing about the opening of an investigation involving the government’s international visa program linked to the institution. The announcement was made by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Wednesday (23).
Rubio stated in a statement that all program sponsors “must comply with all regulations, including conducting their programs in a way that does not undermine the objectives of foreign policy or compromise the national security interests of the United States.” He did not detail the reason for the opening of the new investigation against Harvard.
The secretary emphasized that “the American people have the right to expect their universities to defend national security, comply with the law and offer safe environments to all students.” Rubio added that “the investigation will ensure that state department programs are not contrary to the interests of the nation.”
According to the newspaper The New York Timeswhich analyzed a copy of the correspondence, the government -managed visa program under analysis is intended for international students and teachers.
According to the newspaper, the investigation targeted the university’s participation in the exchange visitor program, which promotes cultural and educational programs with a view to various candidates, including students, teachers, researchers, interns and AU PAIRS, a low cost exchange involving work and study.
Rubio granted a 7 -day deadline for Harvard to present a list of university records related to the international visa program. The secretary added that the State Department plans to interview university officials associated with the program and may also want to consult the owners of the document.
The Department of Education also reported that it opened an investigation against five universities in the country to find out if any priority was given to certain groups of foreigners in the distribution of scholarships.
