US Pauses Student Visas, Expands Social Media Checks

The Trump administration has ordered U.S. embassies and consulates to halt new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting for all foreign applicants. An internal State Department cable directs this pause until further guidance, aiming to intensify checks for anti-American sentiment and national security risks in applicants' online activity. Previously scheduled appointments will proceed, but new slots are withdrawn. The move is part of a broader hardline immigration agenda and comes as Harvard University recently lost its certification to accept international students. Experts warn the freeze could threaten billions of dollars in economic contributions and hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to international students. The measures have sparked campus protests, with critics citing concerns over academic freedom, economic harm, and a chilling effect on cultural exchange.