U.S. Halts Visa Interviews for Foreign Students: NPR

WASHINGTON — The State Department has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students intending to study in the United States while it prepares to increase social media activity screening, according to officials.

An unnamed U.S. official stated Tuesday that the suspension is temporary and does not impact applicants who have already scheduled their visa interviews. This information was disclosed under the condition of anonymity while discussing an internal administration document.

A document signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, obtained by The Associated Press, indicates that the State Department plans to provide guidance on enhanced social media vetting.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity” until the guidance is issued, the document states.

During a briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked that the U.S. employs all available resources to evaluate individuals applying for visas.

“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 commented.

The move, originally reported by Politico, is part of the Trump administration’s broader measures affecting international students.

Recently, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students, thereby removing the institution from a program that facilitates foreign student visas. This action faced a swift legal challenge and is currently blocked by a federal judge.

This spring, the administration also annulled the legal status of thousands of international students already in the country, prompting some to leave the U.S. due to deportation fears. Following successful legal challenges by many students, the administration announced the restoration of their legal status. However, it also expanded the criteria for potentially terminating international students’ legal status moving forward.

The previous administration led by President Donald Trump intensified the examination of all visa applicants, including reviews of social media accounts. This policy continued during President Joe Biden’s term.

A sustained pause in the scheduling of student visas might lead to delays that could disrupt plans for college, boarding school, or exchange students wishing to enroll in summer and fall terms.

A decline in international student enrollment could negatively impact university budgets. Many colleges have relied on enrolling more international students, who often pay full tuition, to compensate for reductions in federal research funding.