United States: The United States has suspended US student visa appointments worldwide as it prepares to expand social media screening of applicants. The directive, issued under President Donald Trump’s administration, instructs US embassies to stop scheduling interviews for US student visa candidates.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the move, stating it would remain in effect until further guidance is issued. The US government is preparing to expand social media vetting for student and foreign exchange visas, which will have significant implications for embassies and consulates processing applications.
The measure is part of a wider dispute between President Trump and top American universities. The President has accused several elite institutions of promoting left-wing ideologies and tolerating antisemitism. He claims these universities support discriminatory admission practices.
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the State Department, stated that, “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 Trump administration has already revoked thousands of visas, frozen funding to universities, and attempted to deport some students. Many of these efforts were blocked by the courts.
Harvard University has become a key target. The US administration revoked its ability to enroll international students and host foreign researchers. A federal judge has since blocked that decision. The outcome could deeply affect Harvard, where over 25 percent of students come from abroad.
Foreign students must usually complete an in-person interview at a US embassy in their home country to secure a US student visa. These students are vital to American universities, contributing significantly through higher tuition fees. However, the State Department has not specified what the enhanced social media vetting will involve. However, the changes are expected to affect all US student visa applications moving forward.
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