The Trump administration has instructed US diplomatic missions globally to suspend scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants, as the State Department prepares to implement expanded social media vetting measures. This directive, revealed by an internal cable obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, aims to tighten immigration controls.
The order, issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, mandates consular sections to halt booking new visa interviews for F, M, and J visa categories. This suspension is pending the completion of a review on the screening process. While already scheduled appointments will proceed under existing guidelines, all future available slots have been withdrawn.
“The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor visa applicants,” the cable stated, adding that updated guidance on social media vetting is expected soon. A senior State Department official confirmed the cable’s authenticity but declined further comment. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce affirmed that the US government will “use every tool” to vet those seeking entry, including students, amid heightened security concerns.
This move is part of the administration’s broader agenda to tighten immigration controls, which has involved increased deportations and visa revocations, particularly targeting individuals perceived to challenge US foreign policy. The expanded vetting will necessitate consular offices to adjust their procedures and resource allocations, prioritizing services for US citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention, according to the cable.
The announcement has triggered protests on American university campuses. Hundreds of Harvard students and faculty gathered on Tuesday to express support for foreign students and oppose the administration’s actions, including attempts to cut federal funding to the prestigious institution. Harvard, which hosts approximately 6,800 international students—around 27% of its total enrollment—has been a specific focus of the administration’s scrutiny.
Critics argue that the administration’s policies infringe upon free speech rights protected by the First Amendment, especially after reports emerged of student visa holders and green card holders facing deportation for publicly supporting Palestinians or criticizing Israeli actions in Gaza. One high-profile case involved a Turkish student at Tufts University who was detained for over six weeks after co-authoring an opinion piece critical of her university’s response to the Gaza conflict. She was eventually released on bail following a federal court order.
Last week, the administration moved to revoke Harvard’s eligibility to enroll international students, further escalating tensions between the government and academic institutions resisting federal pressure.
