Trump Administration Halts Student Visa Interviews As It Considers Expanding Social Media Vetting

The Trump administration has ordered a pause on new student visa interviews at US embassies and consulates worldwide, as it considers expanding social media screening for all foreign students seeking to study in the United States, according to Politico.

The move could significantly delay student visa processing and poses new challenges for American universities that depend heavily on international students for tuition revenue and research contributions.

“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,” the cable reads. It was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and instructs embassies to suspend scheduling of new interviews, Politico reported.

While prior social media vetting focused primarily on students returning to the US—especially those who had participated in protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict—the latest directive signals a broader and more sweeping approach. The cable does not detail what the enhanced vetting will target but references executive orders tied to counterterrorism and antisemitism.

The proposal marks the latest action in a wider campaign by the administration to exert pressure on US universities, particularly elite institutions it accuses of tolerating antisemitism and fostering a left-leaning academic environment. Institutions like Harvard have already faced cuts to federal funding and are under increased scrutiny.

Consular officials have privately raised concerns about the vagueness of past guidance. Questions remain about what online activity could trigger enhanced scrutiny—such as sharing images of Palestinian flags or statements on political issues.

The State Department has not yet issued a formal public statement on the move, and it remains unclear when student visa interviews will resume. Immigration and education advocacy groups, including NAFSA: Association of International Educators, have so far withheld comment.

If implemented, the expanded social media vetting could have widespread implications for international education and further strain US higher education institutions already navigating political and financial pressures.