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The U.S. State Department has paused the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students while it prepares to roll out expanded screening of applicants’ social media activity, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The suspension, which does not affect students who already have interviews scheduled, was ordered in a classified internal cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity,” the directive reads.
Background
The Biden administration had previously upheld measures initiated under former President Donald Trump to increase scrutiny of visa applicants’ digital footprints. Now, under a renewed mandate from Secretary Rubio, the policy is being further expanded.
The decision represents a continuation of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls — particularly those involving students, researchers, and cultural exchange visitors.
In recent months, the administration has already taken aggressive steps. Harvard University’s ability to enroll new international students was revoked last week, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked that decision following legal challenges.
Legal and Policy Implications
While the State Department insists the freeze is temporary, legal experts and education advocates worry about the long-term impact of delaying visa processing.
Social media vetting of visa applicants became formal policy under the Trump administration in 2019, requiring applicants to submit usernames for platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Critics have argued such reviews could suppress free expression and lead to arbitrary rejections.
Supporters of the policy say it helps flag individuals who may pose security risks. “We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Tuesday.
Expert and University Reactions
Universities and student advocacy groups are expressing alarm over the suspension. They warn that the freeze could cause significant disruptions ahead of the summer and fall academic terms.
“If new student visas aren’t issued on time, schools across the country may face declining international enrollment, which many rely on to support their budgets,” said Sarah Spreitzer, director of government relations at the American Council on Education.
Several universities have already reported students expressing confusion and anxiety over whether they will be able to attend classes in person.
Broader Context
U.S. colleges have long depended on international students, who contribute over $40 billion annually to the American economy and often pay full tuition. In recent years, many schools have ramped up international recruitment to compensate for stagnant domestic enrollment and declining federal funding.
Past attempts to limit student visas — such as the 2020 order to deport students attending online-only classes during the COVID-19 pandemic — have led to widespread backlash and court challenges.
With the upcoming expansion of digital screening, the U.S. joins a growing number of nations integrating online behavior into immigration assessments, raising questions about privacy, discrimination, and academic openness.
Next Steps
It remains unclear how long the visa interview freeze will last or what the specific guidelines for expanded vetting will entail. The State Department has promised to release additional information “in the coming weeks.”
In the meantime, universities, legal experts, and foreign students await clarity — and brace for potential enrollment chaos if the pause continues through peak application season.
