Trump Administration Halts New Student Visa Appointments, Plans Social Media Vetting

Washington (Reuters) — The Trump administration has directed U.S. missions worldwide to suspend the scheduling of new student and exchange visitor visa appointments, citing an upcoming expansion of social media screening procedures for foreign applicants.

According to an internal diplomatic cable obtained by Reuters, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the State Department is preparing updated guidance for enhanced vetting of F, M, and J visa applicants. While previously scheduled interviews will continue under current procedures, new slots must not be added until further notice.

“The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants,” the cable stated.

This decision aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of enforcing stricter immigration controls, including increased deportations and revocations of student visas. Officials have also indicated that visa and green card holders could face penalties for expressing pro-Palestinian views or criticizing U.S. foreign policy related to Israel, claiming such stances pose national security risks.

The move has sparked backlash, especially from the academic community. On Tuesday, hundreds of students and professors staged a protest at Harvard University, denouncing the policy and the administration’s simultaneous effort to restrict the institution’s ability to admit international students. International students constitute about 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment—roughly 6,800 individuals.

While State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the cable’s contents, she stated, “we use every tool in our tool chest to vet anyone coming in, who wants to come into this country”.

Consular posts have been advised to prioritize services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention, and to prepare for the resource adjustments required by the enhanced screening measures.