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Russian Ministry of Defense: 37 Ukrainian drones destroyed in 4 hours over regions of Russia and the Black Sea.
Sheikh Qassem: Our supporters make up more than half of Lebanon's population, and all of these people are united under the banner of protecting Lebanon, its Resistance, its people, and its integrity.
Sheikh Qassem: There will be no phased handing in of our arms. [The Israelis] must first enact the agreement before we start talking about a defensive strategy.
Sheikh Qassem: Be brave in the face of foreign pressures, and we will be by your side in this stance.
Sheikh Qassem: Stripping us of our arms is like stripping us of our very soul, and this will prompt us to show them our might.
Sheikh Qassem: We will not abandon our arms, for they gave us dignity; we will not abandon our arms, for they protect us against our enemy.
Sheikh Qassem: The US efforts we are seeing are aimed at sabotaging Lebanon and constitute a call for sedition.
Sheikh Qassem: If you truly want to establish sovereignty and work for Lebanon’s interests, then stop the aggression.
Sheikh Qassem: The United States, which is meddling in Lebanon, is not trustworthy but rather poses a danger to it.
Sheikh Qassem: The United States is preventing the weapons that protect the homeland.

Rubio orders extra visa vetting for Harvard-linked applicants

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News Websites
  • 30 May 2025 22:46
2 Min Read

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered additional vetting for all visa applicants traveling to Harvard, including students and staff, citing social media screening amid the rising crackdown on the Ivy League school.

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  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the State Department, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
    Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the State Department, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a directive mandating additional vetting for anyone seeking a US visa to visit or work at Harvard University. The internal cable, first reported by CNN, was sent to all US embassies and consulates, instructing them to "immediately begin additional vetting" for any applicant with plans to travel to Harvard "for any purpose."

This includes prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, guest speakers, contractors, and even tourists. According to the cable, applicants will undergo enhanced background checks, particularly focused on their online and social media activity.

Social media screening under State Department oversight

The Fraud Prevention Unit within the State Department will supervise the process, aiming to "identify potential inadmissibilities and any information indicating that the applicant may intend to engage in activities inconsistent with the requested visa classification," the cable stated.

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6,000 student visas revoked under Rubio, US State Dept says

Earlier this week, media outlets reported that the State Department had suspended all new student visa appointments in preparation for the expanded vetting procedures. The increased scrutiny is expected to apply broadly across visa categories related to Harvard.

Read more: Trump threatens Harvard's $3bln funding, may redirect to trade schools

Mounting pressure from Trump 

This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University. The conflict includes the revocation of Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Last week, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled in favor of Harvard, granting a temporary suspension of the Department of Homeland Security’s move to bar foreign student enrollment. US District Judge Allison Burroughs, presiding in Boston, confirmed that her order will remain in place while legal proceedings continue.

Despite the ruling, US authorities have given Harvard University 30 days to respond to a federal notice of intent that would revoke its ability to enroll foreign students, a move that could severely impact the institution’s international programs.

According to a notice issued by Acting Director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, Harvard must submit a formal rebuttal, under oath and supported by documentary evidence, explaining why its SEVP certification should not be withdrawn for the 2025–2026 academic year.

  • Marco Rubio
  • United States
  • Student Visa
  • Trump administration
  • Harvard University
  • Donald Trump
  • Harvard

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