US Embassies Halt Student Visa Appointments Amid Expanded Social Media Vetting.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has instructed American embassies worldwide to suspend scheduling new appointments for student visas as part of a broader initiative to intensify social media vetting for applicants. The move, outlined in a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signals a significant shift in the processing of student and foreign exchange visas, with potential ramifications for international students and US higher education institutions.
According to the memo, obtained by CBS News, US embassies were directed on Tuesday to remove all unfilled student visa appointments from their schedules, though existing appointments will proceed as planned. The pause will remain in effect “until further guidance is issued,” the memo stated, highlighting an impending “expansion of required social media screening and vetting” for all student visa applications. Details of what the enhanced vetting will entail were not specified.
This development follows President Trump’s ongoing criticism of some of America’s elite universities, which he accuses of fostering left-wing ideologies, enabling antisemitism on campuses, and employing discriminatory admissions practices. The administration’s focus on social media vetting builds on earlier efforts, with reports from The Guardian in March indicating that the Trump administration has targeted content perceived as supporting “terrorist activity,” particularly in the context of pro-Palestinian campus protests.
The decision comes alongside other measures targeting higher education, including a proposal to withdraw an estimated $100 million in federal funding from Harvard University, seen as a key battleground in Trump’s critique of academic institutions.
Impact on International Students
Foreign students seeking to study in the US typically require a visa, which involves an interview at a US embassy in their home country. The suspension of new appointments could disrupt plans for thousands of prospective students, many of whom contribute significantly to the financial health of US universities through higher tuition fees.
When pressed on the visa policy, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce defended the administration’s approach, stating, “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
The move has sparked concern among educational institutions, which rely heavily on international students for revenue. The expanded vetting and appointment freeze could delay or deter applications, potentially affecting enrolment and funding.
As the Trump administration tightens its oversight of student visas, the policy shift underscores broader tensions between the White House and America’s academic sector, with international students caught in the crossfire.