US President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered US diplomatic missions around the world to suspend student visa scheduling as it prepares extensive measures to vet applicants on social media, IPN reports.
An official note says social media checks will be stepped up for student visas, which would have “significant implications” for embassies and consulates, BBC reports.
This comes amid a broad crackdown by the Trump administration on one of the most elite US universities, Harvard University. The White House leader calls these institutions “too leftist”, accusing them of failing to combat anti-Semitism amid pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. In response to the move, China called on the US to protect international students.
Foreign students who want to study in the US are usually required to schedule interviews at a US embassy in their home country before approval.
“We take the vetting of people entering the country very seriously and will continue to do so,” said US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
The memo asked US embassies to remove from their calendars any unfilled appointments for students applying for visas, but said those who already have appointments can continue. The pause will last “until further guidance is issued,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In April, the US Department of Homeland Security said it would consider “anti-Semitic activity on social media and physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying applications for immigration benefits”.
