US Student Visa: New Interviews Suspended; New Guidelines Issued For Existing Holders

The United States embassies and consulates across the globe have been directed to suspend new student visa interviews as the fresh guidelines issued by the Trump Administration mandate extended social media vetting.

The latest directive increasing the curb on admission of international students into American educational institutions comes over claims that they might threaten the country’s national security or promote antisemitism, according to reports.

A report by Politico claimed that the Trump administration is planning to significantly expand previous vetting measures for international students entering the US. The move comes amid Trump’s hard stance on tightening US immigration policies and his recent standoff with Harvard University.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,” read a cable issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, according to Politico, which reported the matter first.

Hours before the new directive surfaced, the United States Embassy in India issued a warning to students studying in the US. It said that dropping out, skipping classes, or leaving their academic programme can cost the students their visa eligibility. The embassy wanted the students not to pursue such a decision without informing their schools. The embassy urged all international students to strictly follow the terms of their visa and maintain their student status to avoid complications. 

Last week, Trump prohibited Harvard University from enrolling new international students, triggering a wave of backlash from academic institutions, immigration advocates, and global students. In response, Harvard sued the Trump administration over the controversy, after which a federal court restrained Trump’s new order on Friday. 

The face-off between Trump and Harvard began after the prestigious private university rejected the US government’s demand for external political supervision over its activities. Trump has accused Harvard of promoting “antisemitism” through its activities and has also criticised the university for alleged academic bias, among other things.

So far, thousands of international students in the US have already lost their visas over minor traffic violations or alcohol-related offences.

Since his presidential campaign last year, Trump has been actively voicing his stance against the “invasion” of immigrants in the US jobs and education sector. His latest move is part of his broader agenda to prioritise “Americans first,” as he seeks to restrict international access to opportunities in the US.

The move is expected to significantly impact Indian students in the US, who make up 25% of all international students there.