The Trump administration has ordered U.S. embassies worldwide to immediately stop scheduling visa interviews for foreign students, signaling a significant escalation in its crackdown on international education.
This pause, confirmed in a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will last "until further guidance is issued," as the State Department prepares to expand social media screening and vetting for all student visa applications.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators estimates that international students contributed nearly $44 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 school year, covering tuition, fees, accommodations, transportation, and incidentals.
Many U.S. institutions depend heavily on foreign students, who often pay higher tuition fees, making this visa halt a potentially devastating blow to university funding.
Experts have expressed concern that this move is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting universities it accuses of fostering antisemitism.
The crackdown extends beyond visa restrictions, with federal agencies reportedly set to cancel all government contracts with Harvard University, worth an estimated $100 million, escalating tensions with one of America's most prestigious institutions.
"The administration is set to order federal agencies to cancel all government contracts with Harvard University worth an estimated $100m," highlighting the administration's aggressive stance.
This policy shift could disrupt the flow of international students, undermining the economic and cultural benefits they bring to the U.S. and straining higher education institutions financially and reputationally.
The Trump administration has halted scheduling student visa appointments amid plans to expand social media vetting, risking the $44 billion U.S. international student economy. Experts warn this crackdown could severely impact universities reliant on foreign tuition and escalate tensions with institutions like Harvard.
