US Suspends Student Visa Appointments Amid Social Media Screening Expansion

The Trump administration has temporarily suspended scheduling new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to prepare for expanded social media screening of applicants, a move ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This suspension affects F, M, and J visa categories and is part of broader policies targeting international students amid concerns over national security and campus activism, including claims of antisemitism and disruption. Students with already scheduled interviews are still being processed, but new appointments are on hold pending further guidance. The administration has also revoked the ability of some universities, notably Harvard, to admit international students, a decision that has faced legal challenges. Rubio emphasized that visas will be denied to applicants whose goals include activism that disrupts campuses. This policy shift has intensified tensions between the U.S. government and foreign students, reflecting a crackdown on international students amidst controversial demonstrations and political activity on campuses.