The U.S. government has temporarily halted new student visa interviews worldwide as it prepares to implement expanded social media screening for foreign students.
This directive, issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio via diplomatic cable, instructs consular sections to suspend adding visa appointment capacity for F, M, and J visa categories until further notice.
"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 move is part of broader efforts by the administration to tighten entry rules for international students, citing national security threats and concerns about campus unrest. Rubio has previously expressed suspicion that some foreign students come to the U.S. not solely to study but to engage in protests and disruptive activities.
"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," Rubio said.
This policy has raised concerns among international students and educational institutions, which rely heavily on foreign enrollment. For example, Harvard Kennedy School's international students constitute a significant portion of their programs, and previous attempts to restrict their eligibility have faced legal challenges.
The expanded social media screening aims to vet applicants more thoroughly by reviewing their online activities, a step that critics argue could deter legitimate students and complicate the visa process.
The suspension of visa interviews remains in effect until the new screening procedures are fully implemented and further guidance is issued by the State Department.
Sources: 
The U.S. has halted new student visa interviews worldwide as it prepares to implement expanded social media screening for foreign students, a move ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The policy aims to tighten entry rules amid national security concerns and fears of campus unrest.
