US Halts Student Visa Processing as Trump Tightens Social Media Screening

 

The United States has temporarily suspended processing student and exchange visas as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to intensify social media vetting for foreign applicants. An internal State Department cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by AFP, instructed embassies and consulates to halt new student visa appointments until further notice.

This latest directive follows a series of crackdowns targeting international students, including the revocation of hundreds of visas and a controversial move to prevent Harvard University from admitting foreign nationals.

The cable hinted the suspension may be brief, with new guidance expected “in the coming days.” However, visa processing backlogs remain a persistent issue at many U.S. missions.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce did not address the cable directly but emphasized the administration’s commitment to thorough screening. “We take seriously who is coming into the country,” she said, noting the vetting aims to ensure applicants understand U.S. laws and pose no threat.

Pressed on whether students can expect visas before the fall academic term, Bruce advised following standard procedures and being prepared for scrutiny.

Rubio told a Senate hearing last week that he has revoked “thousands” of visas since Trump took office in January. He invoked a little-known legal provision that permits the secretary of state to deny entry to foreigners deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.

The crackdown has disproportionately affected students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, particularly over Gaza. Administration officials have labeled some of them as anti-Sem+tic, a claim rejected by several of the affected students.