In a surprising move, the Trump administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new student and exchange visitor visa appointments. This comes as part of a renewed focus on security, with plans to expand social media vetting of all applicants—yes, even your favorite social media profiles might soon be under the microscope! 😮
An internal cable, initially reported by Reuters and Politico, reveals that the State Department is currently reviewing its screening processes. Appointments already scheduled will continue under current guidelines, but any unscheduled slots are being pulled down until updated guidance is issued.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that the new vetting guidelines will cover all F, M, and J visa categories. Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reassured that "every tool" will be used to assess those seeking entry into the U.S., even as critics suggest these measures could impact free speech rights.
This policy shift is part of a broader hardline immigration agenda. Notably, incidents such as the detention of a Tufts University student from Türkiye—who co-wrote an opinion piece critiquing her school's response to the conflict in Gaza—and recent measures affecting Harvard’s international enrollment have sparked controversy among free speech advocates and academic communities.
As details continue to unfold, many are left wondering how these changes might ripple across global academic and digital landscapes. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story! 🔥
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Trump administration halts scheduling of new student visa appointments
cgtn.com
