WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to restrict foreign student visas at Harvard University, the White House said Wednesday.

"Admission into the United States to attend, conduct research, or teach at our Nation's institutions of higher education is a privilege granted by our Government, not a guarantee. That privilege is necessarily tied to the host institution's compliance and commitment to following Federal law.

"Harvard University has failed in this respect, among many others," it said.

New Harvard students cannot come into the US as a nonimmigrant under F, M or J visas, according to the proclamation.

It also directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "consider revoking" existing F, M or J visas for current Harvard students "who meet the Proclamation’s criteria."

Last month, the State Department instructed embassies and consulates worldwide to begin heightened vetting procedures for anyone seeking a visa to visit Harvard University.

The Trump administration has threatened to freeze federal funding for many universities, including Harvard, citing campus protests in support of Palestine and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The administration has pulled $3 billion in funding and threatened to take away Harvard's tax-exempt status.

Last week, Trump said that Harvard University should cap its foreign student enrollment to about 15%.