Donald Trump Freezes All New Student Visa Interviews: Report

[BumRushDaShow]

Last edited Tue May 27, 2025, 02:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Newsweek

Published May 27, 2025 at 12:24 PM EDT | Updated May 27, 2025 at 1:22 PM EDT


The Trump administration has ordered a freeze on all new student visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates, as it weighs a plan to require foreign applicants to undergo social media vetting, according to a State Department cable obtained by Politico. The cable, dated Tuesday and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines the forthcoming shift in vetting procedures. The news outlet also reported Tuesday that the Trump administration is considering a policy that would require all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media screening. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Pausing the visa category, which saw over 400,000 issuances in fiscal year 2024, would mark a shift in the Trump administration's efforts to limit immigration, dramatically slow down the process for international students, and potentially cut off more funding to institutions that welcome them.

What To Know

"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," the cable seen by Politico stated. Septel is shorthand for "separate telegram." The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) began planning increased screening of immigrants' social media accounts in early March, stating that it would increase national security.

People applying for permanent residency (green cards) or citizenship from within the U.S. were already required to provide social media account information, but expanding the program to those planning to immigrate to the U.S. was aimed at around 2.5 million yearly immigrants. The State Department's involvement in the process occurs at the embassy or consular level, where its staff determines eligibility for visas during interviews.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-freezes-all-new-student-visa-interviews-report-2077588