In a surprising twist, the Trump administration has called a halt on scheduling new student and exchange visitor visa appointments. According to an internal State Department cable, consular sections are instructed to pull down any available slots until the department finalizes updated guidance on expanded social media vetting for all applicants.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that while appointments already set can proceed, new bookings will be paused as the department reviews its screening processes to ensure a thorough evaluation of social media activity. This measure is part of a broader effort to tighten security and align with the administration's uncompromising immigration agenda.
The cable details that consular sections should prioritize services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention, while also preparing to allocate more resources to this intensified vetting process. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that the U.S. will use "every tool" available to assess who enters the country.
Critics argue that this decision may curb free speech and disproportionately affect young visa seekers and international students. The move also follows incidents like the detention of a Tufts University student from T\u00fcrkiye who faced custody for voicing her opinions on her institution's handling of the crisis in Gaza. 😮
Additionally, concerns loom over other aggressive steps, such as the administration's recent push to revoke Harvard's capacity to enroll international students—a measure impacting more than 6,800 students, roughly 27% of the university's total enrollment.
As this saga unfolds, students and professionals alike are watching closely. Stay tuned for more updates on how these changes might reshape the landscape of international study and cultural exchange. 🚀
Reference(s):
Trump administration halts scheduling of new student visa appointments
cgtn.com
