#borderscrutiny

Harvard University has issued a cautionary advisory to its international students, urging them to limit sensitive social media activity and avoid entering the U.S. through Boston’s Logan International Airport due to intensified border checks and visa screenings, according to a recent Bloomberg report.

The advisory follows ongoing concerns about how federal agencies are monitoring international students entering the country. In a private briefing hosted by Harvard officials, students were informed that both the U.S. State Department and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are closely examining digital footprints—including social media content and electronic devices—at entry points.

Digital Devices & Social Media Under Scrutiny

Officials told students that immigration authorities have the power to inspect their phones, laptops, and online presence. Content flagged as problematic—including political views critical of the U.S., pro-Palestinian posts, antisemitic comments, or even minor past legal issues—could result in denial of entry.

Students were also warned against wiping their devices before travel, as this could raise additional suspicion. The session was led by Maureen Martin, Director of Immigration Services at Harvard, and Jason Corral, an attorney with the university’s immigration and refugee clinic.

Special Advisory for Iranian and Chinese Students in STEM Fields

Particular caution was advised for students from Iran and China, especially those enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and artificial intelligence (AI) programs. According to the university, these groups face a higher likelihood of extra scrutiny at U.S. borders.

Corral specifically recommended that Iranian students avoid flying into Boston Logan due to previous incidents. While not officially ranked, other international airports like New York’s JFK, Chicago O’Hare, and LAX were suggested as potentially safer alternatives.

Previous Incident Highlights Risks

The warning comes in the wake of a high-profile case involving Kseniia Petrova, a Russian researcher affiliated with Harvard, who was detained at Boston Logan in February after returning from France. She was accused of illegally transporting frog embryos and spent four months in federal custody before being released on bail in June.

Harvard–Federal Government Tensions Ongoing

The advisory reflects broader tensions between Harvard and the U.S. government. The Trump administration has previously targeted the university, revoking over $2.6 billion in research funding and threatening its tax-exempt status. Allegations have ranged from the tolerance of antisemitism to claims of political and hiring biases.

While it remains unclear if Harvard students are being uniquely targeted, the federal government is currently appealing a preliminary injunction that temporarily protects the university’s ability to admit international students.