The U.S. State Department has halted new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas amid plans to expand social media vetting for international applicants, according to a Reuters report citing an internal government cable. The move, part of heightened scrutiny under the Trump administration, has drawn sharp criticism from aspiring students worldwide.
Romil Udayakumar TNV, a Kerala-based student preparing U.S. university applications, told KhabarAsia the policy shift undermines academic opportunities. "This freeze punishes ambitious learners without addressing real security concerns," he said, adding that many are now considering alternatives like Canada or Australia for higher education.
While U.S. officials cite national security as justification, critics argue expanded social media monitoring creates unnecessary barriers. The development comes as Asian nations increasingly compete to attract global talent through streamlined visa processes and scholarship programs.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Indian youth says U.S. student visa freeze is unfair
cgtn.com