US halts new student visa interviews, risking $43.8bn foreign student revenue

The US State Department has ordered a global halt on scheduling new student visa interviews as it prepares to implement comprehensive social media screening for all international applicants.

This directive, confirmed by the Guardian, threatens to delay visa processing and jeopardize the $43.8 billion foreign student revenue that supports over 378,000 jobs in the US economy.

"There are more than one million foreign students in the United States," contributing significantly to universities and local economies.

The move comes under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that updated guidance on social media vetting will be issued after a review, advising consular sections to pause scheduling new visa appointments.

"The department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants after a review is completed," Rubio said.

While new interview scheduling is suspended, interviews already booked will proceed as planned.

This policy shift aligns with the Trump administration's hardline immigration agenda, which has included deportations and visa revocations targeting student visa and green card holders accused of supporting Palestinians or criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza.

Officials have stated that individuals holding student visas or green cards could face deportation over their political expressions, raising concerns about free speech rights under the First Amendment.

Universities, some accused of far-left ideologies, heavily rely on foreign students for revenue, and this visa suspension could severely impact their financial stability.

The expanded social media screening aims to scrutinize applicants' online activities more closely, potentially prolonging visa processing times and deterring prospective students.

This development marks a significant shift in US immigration policy affecting international education and economic contributions from foreign students.

The US has halted scheduling new student visa interviews worldwide to implement expanded social media screening, risking nearly $43.8 billion in foreign student revenue and affecting over one million international students who support 378,000 jobs. Existing appointments will proceed amid concerns over free speech and immigration enforcement.