Washington, D.C. — The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors, citing plans to implement expanded social media screening protocols. This pause, effective immediately, applies to F, M, and J visa categories and will remain in place until further guidance is provided.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to suspend the addition of new student and exchange visitor visa appointments.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the suspension during a press briefing, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to thorough vetting processes. “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce stated.
Bruce further elaborated on the rationale behind the enhanced screening measures, stating, “Every sovereign country has a right to know who is trying to come in, why they want to come in, who they are, what they’ve been doing, and at least hopefully within that framework determine what they will be doing while they’re here.”
The move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to intensify vetting procedures for foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States. The expanded screening will include a thorough review of applicants’ social media activity, aiming to identify potential security threats.
The suspension has raised concerns among U.S. universities, which rely heavily on international students for both cultural diversity and financial stability. Institutions fear that the pause, coupled with the enhanced scrutiny, could deter prospective students from applying, leading to decreased enrollment and revenue.
Harvard University, in particular, has come under scrutiny. The administration recently attempted to revoke Harvard’s certification to enroll international students and suspended over $2.2 billion in federal grants, citing concerns over the university’s alleged promotion of leftist ideologies. Germany has since proposed hosting a satellite campus for Harvard, highlighting the international ramifications of the U.S. policy shift.
Civil rights groups have expressed alarm over the expanded social media vetting, arguing that it may infringe upon free speech and privacy rights. Critics contend that the policy could lead to discrimination against individuals based on their political views or affiliations, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
