Harvard University is reflected in the window of a merchandise store across the street from the school on April 17, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Trump administration announced that it would block Harvard University from receiving $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts after the school refused demands to adopt new policies relating to student and faculty conduct, admissions, anti-semitism on campus and DEI. (Photo: AFP)
May 27, 2025
The Donald Trump Administration has paused scheduling student visa interviews as new applicants are being asked to undergo ‘social media vetting’ according to a report from Politico.
Describing it as a “significant expansion of previous such efforts”, the report said all embassies and consular sections were ordered to pause scheduling new student interviews by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
“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, (separate telegram) which we anticipate in the coming days,” the communication said.
Potential blowback from the decision, if carried out, includes not only slower student visa processing but financial cuts for some universities who may depend on foreign enrolment for funding.
The report linked the decision to ongoing protests by many university students against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza
It comes amid fallouts with universities including Harvard about similar protests. The United States has doggedly supported Israel’s military campaign in Gaza which was heightened after attacks on Israel by militant group Hamas.