US Suspends Student Visa Appointments, Expands Social Media Vetting

US Suspends Student Visa Appointments, Expands Social Media Vetting

The US government has instructed embassies to temporarily halt scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand its vetting process of applicants' social media activity.

Memo Details Suspension

A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlines the temporary suspension, stating it will remain in effect "until further guidance is issued." This pause is linked to an expansion of social media screening for both student and foreign exchange visas.

Context: Trump vs. Elite Colleges

This action occurs amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and elite colleges, particularly concerning issues of antisemitism and admissions policies. The White House has accused some universities of allowing antisemitism to flourish on campus, a claim vehemently denied by college officials.

Implications for International Students

The directive instructs US embassies to cancel any unfilled appointment slots for students seeking visas. However, those with already scheduled appointments can proceed. Many universities rely heavily on international student enrollment for tuition revenue.

Broader Immigration Policy

This move is part of a larger pattern of stricter immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, including freezing funding for universities and revoking visas, many of which have been blocked by courts.