The Trump administration has suspended new student and exchange visitor visa appointments globally as the US State Department prepares to implement stricter social media screening protocols, according to an internal diplomatic cable obtained by Reuters. The move signals a significant shift in immigration policy affecting thousands of international students and academic institutions.
Policy Shift Details
Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed consular sections to pause scheduling new F, M, and J visa appointments pending updated guidelines. Existing appointments will proceed under current rules, but unscheduled slots are being withdrawn immediately. The State Department confirmed it will employ "every tool" to vet applicants but declined to comment specifically on the leaked directive.
Broader Immigration Context
This development follows recent administration efforts to deport international students expressing political views critical of US foreign policy. A Turkish national at Tufts University was recently detained for six weeks after criticizing Israel's Gaza policies in campus media. Last week saw moves to revoke Harvard University's ability to host 6,800 international students – 27% of its student body.
Operational Impacts
The cable advises consular offices to prioritize resources for US citizen services, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention while implementing the new vetting processes. Critics argue the measures threaten academic freedom and First Amendment rights, while supporters maintain they protect national security interests.
