According to a report by Politico on May 27, the Trump administration has temporarily suspended new student visa interviews while considering expanded social media screening for international students.
The report references a May 27 cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which outlines plans to require all international students applying for US visas to undergo social media scrutiny. To prepare for the implementation of this measure, US embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to suspend scheduling new interviews for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. However, previously scheduled interviews will proceed as planned.
Analysts warn that if the US government enforces such a screening policy, it could severely slow down the processing of student visa applications. This delay could also negatively impact many American universities that depend on international students for financial support.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has introduced social media screening requirements for international students. According to a New York Times report, Rubio issued a directive on March 25 mandating mandatory social media checks for certain student and exchange visitor visa applicants. One stated objective was to deny visas to individuals sympathetic to Palestinians or critical of the US and Israel.
Since reclaiming the presidency, Trump has taken aim at several American universities, demanding the eradication of "anti-Semitism on campuses" and the abolition of diversity initiatives favoring minority groups. US media widely believe that the Trump administration is targeting institutions like Harvard University, which Republicans view as strongholds for left-leaning liberals and Democrats.
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