In a newly issued internal travel alert, Harvard University is warning international students—particularly those from Iran, China, and other regions considered high-risk by U.S. immigration authorities—to avoid traveling through Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) due to an escalation in customs inspections and secondary screenings.
The advisory follows a pattern of increased scrutiny at Boston Logan, where students have reportedly faced intensive questioning, digital device searches, and in some cases, detainment upon arrival. With the 2025–2026 academic year approaching, Harvard’s Office of International Education and Immigration Services is recommending alternative points of entry into the United States, such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
Digital Device Checks and Political Oversight Raise Alarm
The warning cites growing concern over U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) practices at Boston Logan. According to multiple student accounts, border officers have been searching mobile phones, reviewing social media posts, and interrogating students about their online activity. Harvard has confirmed that students posting content deemed politically sensitive or critical of U.S. foreign policy—especially related to Middle Eastern or Chinese affairs—may trigger additional scrutiny.
Harvard’s advisory notes that resetting or deleting digital data before arrival could raise further suspicion. CBP officers are trained to detect such behaviors and often interpret them as efforts to conceal information, leading to more aggressive inspections.
Students are reminded that under current regulations, CBP has the authority to detain travelers without formal charges and examine electronic devices without a warrant at the U.S. border, a policy upheld by federal courts.
Iranian and Chinese Students Disproportionately Affected
The advisory specifically addresses STEM students and researchers from Iran and China, who Harvard warns are at higher risk of facing secondary screening or temporary detention at U.S. ports of entry. Fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computer science, and engineering are closely monitored under U.S. national security guidelines, and students from these countries are often scrutinized for potential ties to state-funded research programs or military entities.
A previous case referenced in the briefing involved an Iranian researcher who was detained at Boston Logan for months in 2020 over allegations related to undeclared biological materials. Though later cleared, the student’s academic career was significantly delayed.
In light of these precedents, Harvard is advising incoming students and researchers to ensure full transparency in their visa documentation and digital footprint, and to avoid traveling through Boston Logan if other options are available.
Wider Political Pressures Facing Harvard and U.S. Academic Institutions
Harvard’s warning is also issued amid a broader climate of political scrutiny facing elite U.S. universities. In recent years, institutions like Harvard have been subject to investigations over foreign student enrollment, visa misuse, and research security violations. Government officials have questioned academic institutions’ policies regarding freedom of speech, admissions practices, and collaboration with international scholars, particularly from nations under U.S. geopolitical focus.
Federal funding to Harvard has been intermittently challenged, and critics have called for tighter oversight of how international students participate in sensitive research programs. These developments contribute to a growing sense of uncertainty for foreign nationals pursuing education in the U.S.
Despite ongoing legal disputes, Harvard confirmed that current court rulings allow international students to remain enrolled and enter the country for educational purposes. However, the university acknowledged that future policy changes could impact visa issuance or entry conditions.
Harvard’s Travel Recommendations: Choose Airports Wisely
To minimize the risk of detainment or travel disruption, Harvard strongly recommends that international students fly into alternative U.S. airports, where reported cases of aggressive border questioning have been less frequent. Preferred entry points include:
- New York JFK – Well-equipped with multilingual staff and broader cultural awareness.
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Serves as a major hub for international traffic with faster processing times.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Known for handling high volumes of student traffic from Asia and the Middle East.
University officials are also advising students to travel with paper copies of enrollment letters, visa documentation, and financial sponsorship proof, along with a clean and transparent digital history accessible on devices upon request.
Support for International Students During Travel
Harvard’s Office for International Students and Scholars is offering round-the-clock support during peak arrival weeks, including:
- One-on-one consultations for travel planning
- Immigration workshops and Q&A sessions
- Legal assistance for border-related issues
- Guidance on handling digital privacy during entry
The university is also coordinating with legal advisors and advocacy groups to monitor CBP activities and provide emergency assistance in case of student detainment.
Conclusion: Vigilance, Preparation, and Flexibility Are Key
As tensions surrounding immigration and border security continue, Harvard’s proactive advisory is a reflection of the growing challenges international students face when entering the U.S.—especially through high-profile airports like Boston Logan. The goal is to ensure that these students, many of whom are pursuing critical research or graduate degrees, are not unfairly targeted or delayed due to factors beyond their control.
Harvard remains committed to protecting its international community and ensuring their safe, lawful entry into the country. For students arriving this fall, careful travel planning and awareness of airport-specific risks are now more important than ever.
International students flying to the U.S. in 2025 should consult their institution’s legal team, prepare all necessary documents, and consider alternative entry routes to avoid unnecessary complications.
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