The U.S. State Department has instructed its overseas embassies and consulates to resume processing student visas for foreign nationals, effective local time on June 18. However, the new policy mandates enhanced scrutiny of applicants' social media and online activities, with those refusing to make their accounts public or submit to review facing potential denial.
According to a State Department notice cited by CCTV News, the suspension on foreign student visa processing has been lifted, but applicants who decline to disclose their social media profiles or allow officials to examine their posts may be rejected for "attempting to evade requirements or conceal online activity."
Local U.S. media reported that consular officers will prioritize reviewing posts expressing dissent toward the U.S. government, culture, or political institutions. Officials must document applicants' online behavior in detail, including taking screenshots as evidence to prevent deletion or alteration of content.
The move follows President Donald Trump's renewed crackdown on alleged "campus antisemitism," targeting elite universities such as Harvard and Columbia. U.S. media widely interpret the campaign as an effort to suppress Democratic or liberal-leaning factions. In late May, the State Department had abruptly halted scheduling new student visa interviews abroad.
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