WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has instructed the US embassies around the world not to schedule new appointments for student visas for the time being.
In line with the orders issued by US President Donald Trump, preparations are also underway to expand the process of social media screening for student visas.
In a memo sent by the US State Department to diplomatic missions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that this order will remain in effect until further instructions.
The memo stated that social media scrutiny for student and foreign exchange program visas will be tightened, which will significantly impact US embassies and consulates worldwide.
This step is part of recent policies under which the Trump administration revoked visas of pro-Palestinian students, claiming that these actions are aimed at combating anti-Semitism in American universities.
According to U.S. media, in the directive issued yesterday, American embassies have been instructed to remove any future unapproved student visa appointments from their schedules.
However, the process will continue as usual for applicants whose appointments are already scheduled.
The memo also mentioned that the State Department is preparing to expand social media screening and vetting for all student visa applications.
As per the US policy, foreign students wishing to study in the US typically have to go through a visa interview process at the American embassy or consulate in their home country.
