US Freezes Student Visa Appointments and Increases Social Media Vetting

The Trump administration's recent decision to temporarily stop student visa appointments, coupled with stringent social media vetting protocols, raises concerns about the impact on American universities heavily reliant on international students.

The Trump administration has instructed US embassies to suspend the scheduling of student visa appointments as it gears up to implement expanded social media checks on applicants. In a memo sent to diplomatic posts, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the pause would remain in effect "until further guidance is issued." This move aims to bolster vetting processes for student and foreign exchange visas, which will significantly affect embassies and consulates.

The directive comes amidst ongoing tensions between President Trump and various elite American universities, which he perceives as too liberal. He has accused some of these institutions of fostering antisemitism and maintaining discriminatory admission standards. The state department memo, shared with CBS News, called for the removal of any unfilled appointment slots from embassy calendars for prospective students, although those with pre-scheduled appointments will still be able to proceed.

Moreover, the document highlighted an impending "expansion of required social media screening" tied to all student visa applications. The existing requirement for foreign students to conduct interviews at US embassies is now under increased scrutiny, potentially impacting those hoping to study in the US, where many universities depend on tuition from international students to sustain their programs.

When discussing the topic, state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized the administration's commitment to thoroughly vetting individuals entering the United States. The Trump administration has previously frozen substantial funding for universities, sought to deport certain students, and revoked numerous visas—all measures that have faced legal challenges.

The White House has accused some universities of allowing antisemitism to flourish through pro-Palestinian activities. In response, colleges argue that the administration is infringing on free speech rights. Harvard University, a frequent target of Trump's criticism, had its ability to enroll international students revoked last week, a policy that was subsequently halted by a federal judge.

Should these new regulations take effect, they could severely impact Harvard, where a significant proportion of the student body consists of international attendees. As colleges continue to grapple with these changes, the broader implications for higher education in the US remain to be seen.