The Trump administration is weighing a sweeping expansion of social media vetting for all foreign student visa applicants, halting new interview scheduling while it prepares the shift.
The Trump administration has paused new student visa interviews as it considers mandating social media vetting for all foreign applicants, according to a State Department cable obtained by POLITICO.
“Effective immediately… consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance,” reads the cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The move could significantly delay visa processing and affect university revenues. The administration had already implemented limited screening for students involved in Gaza-related protests. No comment was provided by State Department spokespeople as of press time.