US suspends student visa appointments amid plans for expanded social media checks

The Trump administration has temporarily halted new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies worldwide, as it prepares to tighten scrutiny of international applicants' social media profiles — a move that could impact universities and foreign students alike.

The U.S. government has ordered embassies worldwide to stop scheduling new visa interviews for international students, according to a memo reviewed by CBS News and reported by the BBC. The measure is part of President Donald Trump’s wider strategy to tighten immigration controls and increase scrutiny of foreign nationals entering the U.S. for academic purposes.

The memo directs consular posts to clear their calendars of unscheduled appointments for student visa applicants. Those who already have appointments will still be allowed to attend. The suspension will remain in effect "until further guidance is issued," according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The memo also indicated that U.S. authorities are preparing to expand mandatory social media screening for student and exchange visitor visas. While specific criteria were not detailed, the BBC noted the plan is expected to have "significant implications" for embassies and applicants alike.

The move comes as part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on elite American universities, which the president accuses of harboring left-wing bias and turning a blind eye to antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.

Earlier this year, The Guardian reported that student visa vetting had already been enhanced, linking the change to increased federal scrutiny of campus activism. In April, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that antisemitic content on social media or physical harassment of Jewish individuals could be used as grounds to deny visa or immigration benefits.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters: “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we're going to continue to do that.”

China, whose students make up a significant portion of the international student population in the U.S., responded critically. “We urge the U.S. side to earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of international students, including those from China,” a Chinese official said, as quoted by the BBC.

American universities are also expected to raise concerns, with many depending on the high tuition fees paid by foreign students. The pause in visa processing and expanded surveillance could deter enrollment and hurt university budgets.

Harvard University has been at the center of Trump's campaign against academia. According to the BBC, the administration has frozen $2.65 billion in federal funding earmarked for Harvard and is reviewing another $100 million in support. Trump also attempted to revoke the university’s ability to host international students and scholars — a move blocked last week by a federal judge.

Harvard’s leadership warned that the funding cuts would negatively impact vital government-sponsored research and hurt national interests. Students held protests on campus in response to the administration’s actions.

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