The Trump administration has ordered US embassies to temporarily stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visas, as it prepares to expand the monitoring of applicants’ social media activity.
A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio states the pause will remain in effect “until further guidance is issued.” The policy affects F and J visa categories and is expected to significantly impact embassy and consulate operations.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Donald Trump and elite universities such as Harvard, which he accuses of left-wing bias, antisemitism, and discriminatory admissions practices.
While existing visa appointments will proceed as planned, no new applications are currently being accepted. Embassies have also been told to prepare for the implementation of broad social media screening for all student visa applicants.
The Trump administration has previously frozen millions in university funding and attempted to deport or block thousands of foreign students — efforts frequently challenged in court.
Harvard has been a particular target, with a recent federal court order temporarily halting a ban on hosting international students and researchers. If reinstated, the measure could prove devastating: over 25% of Harvard’s student body is international
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