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.
For years, companies have navigated stringent U.S. data requirements for sensitive exports. Now, in a significant turn, China is implementing a similar system for its critical rare earth minerals, asking Western firms for proprietary business information and signaling a new global standard.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Iran’s foreign minister in Oman on Sunday as Tehran prepares a counter-offer to Washington’s stalled nuclear proposal, deepening uncertainty over the region’s security.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary evacuation of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, a U.S. defense official said Wednesday.
The U.S. budget deficit narrowed to $316 billion in May, marking a 9% drop from last year, largely due to a surge in customs revenue driven by President Trump’s new tariffs.
Germany has welcomed the rare-earth trade truce between China and the U.S., calling it a positive step that could inspire similar progress in EU-U.S. talks.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
Azerbaijan is advancing its green energy agenda, with bold targets and regional projects discussed at the IEA’s global energy efficiency conference.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Kazakhstan and the UK are strengthening defense ties with a new Military Cooperation Plan, focusing on peacekeeping and military education.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
China is set to eliminate tariffs for all 53 African countries it has diplomatic ties with, offering duty-free access not just to the poorest nations but also to middle-income economies.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
Azerbaijan is advancing its green energy agenda, with bold targets and regional projects discussed at the IEA’s global energy efficiency conference.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
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