The Donald Trump administration has ordered a pause on new visa interviews for international students as it prepares to roll out expanded social media vetting requirements.
According to a cable obtained by POLITICO, dated May 27 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to halt new interview slots for student and exchange visitor visa applicants pending further instructions.
The move could slow the visa process for foreign students, which is a key revenue source for many American universities.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel,” the document reads.
The current requirements are broader than they were under previous administration’s which focused on social media screening on returning students, particularly those involved in protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The report references executive orders tied to national security and combating antisemitism.
State Department sources were said to have voiced frustration over ambiguous guidance in the past, especially surrounding protest-related activity.
It is unclear whether public expressions of support for Palestinians, such as sharing images of a Palestinian flag on X, could trigger additional investigation.
Critics argue the administration’s actions are targeted at liberal universities, such as Harvard, with which the Trump administration is actively in legal battles over antisemitism.
The immigration crackdown has already affected numerous foreign students.
