Foreign Students Face New Social Media Screening for U.S. Visas
The Trump administration announced plans on May 27, 2025, to require mandatory social media vetting for all foreign students applying for U.S. study visas, including F, M, and J categories. A State Department cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ordered U.S. embassies to pause new visa interview scheduling pending further guidance.
The policy aims to enhance national security by screening for terrorism and antisemitism risks, as outlined in executive orders. Unlike previous measures targeting students linked to Gaza protests, the new vetting will apply to all applicants, significantly expanding the scope of scrutiny.
The cable, reported by Politico, did not specify what social media content would trigger additional review, leaving consular officers awaiting detailed instructions expected soon. This lack of clarity has raised concerns about potential delays in visa processing, which could disrupt university admissions timelines.
U.S. universities, reliant on international students for $43.8 billion in annual revenue, face financial risks if applications decline due to the policy. Effective immediately, the halt in visa interviews may exacerbate challenges for institutions already navigating administration pressures over campus policies.
The US State Department has not issued a public statement; further guidance is anticipated in the coming days. The policy’s implementation could reshape the landscape for international education in the U.S., affecting thousands of prospective students globally.