Washington, USA: US Temporarily Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Social Media Vetting Expansion
In a continued effort to tighten oversight on international students, the Trump administration has introduced a new measure affecting visa applicants.
Washington: The US State Department has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students aspiring to study in the United States. This comes as the agency works on broadening its review of applicants' social media activity, according to officials.
A US government official, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of the internal communication, clarified that the freeze applies only to new appointments. Applicants who already have interview dates set are not affected by this change.
Enhanced Social Media Screening Underway
A directive approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and accessed by The Associated Press outlines upcoming guidance for more extensive social media scrutiny.
“To prepare for a forthcoming expansion in mandatory social media checks, consular offices must refrain from adding any new visa interview slots for student or exchange visitors,” the cable states.
When asked about the change during a briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that the US is committed to rigorous background checks.
“We are committed to thoroughly evaluating every individual applying for a visa, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce noted.
Intensified Measures Against Foreign Students
The move, initially revealed by Politico, is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to place stricter controls on foreign students.
Just last week, Harvard University lost its eligibility to enroll international students under the government program that enables institutions to sponsor foreign nationals for study visas. A federal court has since blocked that decision after legal challenges were filed.
Earlier this year, thousands of international students already residing in the US had their legal status revoked, prompting many to leave the country over concerns of deportation. After successful legal appeals, the administration reinstated their status but simultaneously broadened the criteria for future terminations.
Social Media Checks Extended Across Visa Types
During Trump’s tenure, officials intensified the review process for all visa seekers by including social media evaluations. This practice continued under President Biden’s administration.
A prolonged pause in student visa processing could cause significant disruptions for students planning to start programs during the summer or fall. A decline in international student enrolment may also financially strain universities, many of which rely on full-tuition-paying foreign students to offset reductions in federal research funding.
