The Trump administration has ordered US embassies to suspend new student visa appointments as it prepares to implement stricter social media screening for international applicants, according to a diplomatic memo seen by CBS News.
The directive, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructed all diplomatic missions to remove unscheduled appointments from their calendars “until further guidance is issued.” Students and foreign exchange visa applicants with existing appointments may still attend, but no new interviews are to be booked for now.
The cable states that an “expansion of required social media screening and vetting” is underway, which will affect all student visa cases. The measure is expected to place additional pressure on embassies and consulates already managing a high volume of applications.
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s growing clash with elite American universities, which he has accused of promoting left-wing ideology and tolerating antisemitism under the guise of pro-Palestinian activism. His administration has previously frozen university funding, attempted to deport students, and revoked thousands of visas—many of which have been reinstated by the courts.
In a statement to reporters on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said: “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.”
Harvard University, which has drawn the particular ire of the Trump White House, recently had its ability to enrol international students and host foreign researchers revoked. A federal judge has since blocked the policy, but if upheld, it could significantly damage the institution, where foreign students make up over 25% of enrolment.
Many US colleges, which rely heavily on the higher tuition fees paid by international students, warn the latest measures could have severe financial and academic consequences. Universities have accused the Trump administration of using immigration policy to curtail free speech and academic freedom.
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