US pauses new student visa interviews amid plans for social media screening

The United States has temporarily halted scheduling new student visa interviews at embassies across the globe. Interviews already booked will continue as planned.

The Trump administration is set to make stricter rules on social media account checks of foreign students, leaving many international applicants worried about their future in the US.

The order was issued through a diplomatic cable sent on Tuesday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“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,” Rubio wrote.

The latest move comes as the administration is tightening entry rules for foreign students, citing threats to national security and concerns around campus unrest.

The sudden move comes amid earlier signals from Rubio about a tougher approach.

 In March, he referred to students who he claimed were coming to the US not to study, but to engage in protests.

Citing the case of Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was arrested and later released on bail after writing an op-ed in support of Gazans, Rubio said, “If you apply for a visa to enter the United States and be a student, and you tell us that the reason you are coming to the United States is not just because you want to write op-eds, but because you want to participate in movements that are involved in doing things like vandalizing universities, harassing students, taking over  buildings, creating a ruckus—we’re not going to give you a visa.”

The freeze also comes at the back of another controversy involving Harvard University. Just days ago, the DHS attempted to stop the prestigious school from enrolling international students, although that move was blocked by a federal judge.

The administration has also threatened to pull back all federal contracts with Harvard, worth nearly $100 million. 

President Trump has also warned of redirecting billions in grant money away from the university.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/us-pauses-new-student-visa-interviews-amid-plans-for-social-media-screening/articleshow/121445706.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst