In a fresh crackdown, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday banned visas for new foreign students at Harvard University. The order comes as Trump’s administration intensifies its long-standing crackdown on higher education, particularly at Harvard. The Republican had earlier banned international students from enrolling at Harvard – an order which was blocked by the American Court.

In the fresh executive order, Trump emphasized that it is necessary to restrict the new foreign students from entering the country “solely or principally” to attend Harvard University courses. Trump stated, “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 program hosted by Harvard University.”

According to the latest update, Harvard University on Thursday reacted to Trump’s fresh executive order. The University officials allegedly called the temporary ban on admitting foreign nationals a “retaliatory act”. A Harvard spokesperson was quoted as saying, “This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.” He further added that the university will continue to protect its international students.

The announcement follows a separate announcement by United States President Donald Trump, who has signed a proclamation today banning the travel of nationals from 12 countries to the US, citing national security risks. The proclamation will go into effect on Monday, June 9. Trump has also partially restricted and limited the entry of nationals from seven other countries. The partial ban extends to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.