Trump Administration Expands Social Media Vetting for Student Visas, Sparks Backlash

The Trump administration has halted new appointments for U.S. student and exchange visitor visas as it prepares to implement expanded social media vetting, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters. The order, confirmed by a senior official, comes amid a broader immigration crackdown and growing tensions around foreign student policies.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in the cable that consular sections should pause scheduling new F, M, and J visa interviews while the department reviews and updates its screening procedures. Scheduled appointments will proceed under current guidelines, but unclaimed slots are to be removed. The expanded vetting is expected to require changes in operations and resource allocation, as officials aim to increase scrutiny of applicants’ online activity.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that the U.S. will use “every tool” to vet individuals seeking entry, including students. The move coincides with efforts to deport visa holders over political speech deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy, particularly criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Critics argue this violates First Amendment rights.

The policy has triggered protests, including a large demonstration at Harvard University, where students and faculty opposed the visa crackdown and a recent attempt by the administration to revoke Harvard’s authorization to enroll international students. Currently, about 27% of Harvard’s student body is international.

In a related incident, a Turkish student at Tufts University was detained for six weeks after co-authoring an op-ed critical of her school’s stance on Gaza. She was released following a federal court ruling.

This latest move underscores the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration and academic freedom, fueling widespread concern among educators, legal experts, and global students.