The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it is resuming the process for foreign students applying for visas, which had been put on hold. However, there’s a new requirement: applicants must make their social media accounts public for government review.
Consular officers will be looking for any posts or messages that might be seen as negative toward the United States and its values. If a new applicant refuses to change their privacy settings, they risk being denied a visa. The department suggests that not complying could indicate an attempt to hide something.
This decision comes after the Trump administration briefly halted new visa interviews for foreign students while planning to enhance social media scrutiny. Many international students have been anxiously waiting for the reopening of visa appointments, especially with the school year approaching.
One student, a 27-year-old from China, recently secured a visa interview after refreshing the booking website multiple times a day. He expressed relief at finally getting an appointment, as he hopes to travel to the U.S. for a research internship.
The State Department emphasized that all student and exchange visitor applicants will undergo thorough vetting. This includes adjusting their social media privacy settings to public. The aim is to ensure that everyone attempting to enter the U.S. is properly screened.
Critics of the new policy, like Jameel Jaffer from the Knight First Amendment Institute, argue it resembles the ideological vetting practices of the Cold War. They believe it could suppress legitimate political expression both in the U.S. and abroad.
International students have faced increased scrutiny in recent years. Earlier this spring, the Trump administration revoked study permissions for thousands of students, including those with minor traffic offenses, before reversing that decision. The administration has also proposed limiting foreign student enrollment at prestigious schools like Harvard, which relies heavily on international tuition.
As the State Department continues to tighten its vetting procedures, many students from countries such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines are closely monitoring updates to the visa process. They are eager to secure their appointments and make travel arrangements before the academic year begins.