The White House first threatened to bar foreign students from Harvard in April, after the university refused to make changes to its hiring, admissions and teaching practices. And it also froze nearly $3 billion in federal grants, which Harvard is challenging in court. Still, Thursday's announcement left students reeling.

Chinese students at Harvard were cancelling flights home on Friday and seeking legal advice on staying in the United States after President Donald Trump's administration blocked the famed university from enrolling foreign students.

The Chinese government says the Trump administration’s move to ban international students from Harvard will harm America’s international standing.