The Trump administration has halted new interviews for international students seeking visas, citing plans to expand social media screening of applicants. The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was sent to U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide. The administration has also cut financial support to Harvard and revoked visas for thousands of foreign students, citing concerns about national security.
The State Department warned that the changes would delay visa processing and impact consular operations. While it emphasized prioritizing services for U.S. citizens and fraud prevention, it has not clarified how social media screening will work. Activists have criticized the increased scrutiny, arguing that international students are not a security threat.
Universities fear that many students may not return to the U.S. after traveling abroad due to visa uncertainties. The crackdown could financially harm institutions with large numbers of foreign students. The nonprofit Association of International Educators condemned the decision, noting that international students make up less than 6% of college enrollment in the country.