The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted new visa interviews for international students as the Trump administration expands social media vetting—a move critics warn could undermine America’s competitiveness in attracting global talent. The pause follows a recent, since-blocked attempt to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students.
In a Tuesday cable obtained by reporters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies and consulates to cease scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants—categories covering most international students and exchange visitors—pending further instructions. The order also requires consular officers to scrutinize applicants’ social media histories, including archived posts, even if deleted.
“We utilize all available data in visa screening to ensure applicants present no security or safety risks,” the State Department said in a statement.
Free Speech Concerns Amid Crackdown on Campus Activism
The policy aligns with the administration’s broader campaign against antisemitism and foreign influence at U.S. universities. However, advocacy groups and legal experts accuse officials of leveraging national security justifications to suppress political dissent, particularly among students supporting Palestinian rights.
In recent weeks, hundreds of visas—including student visas and green cards—have been revoked. One notable case involved a Turkish Fulbright scholar detained after co-authoring an essay urging her university to divest from Israel. A federal judge later ordered her release.
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