Secretary of State Marco Rubio orders global pause while Trump administration plans stricter checks on foreign students’ social media.
May 27, 2025: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed US embassies worldwide to stop scheduling new interviews for student-visa applicants, according to reports by Politico. The pause is part of the Trump administration’s effort to increase screening of social media activity by foreign students.
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Rubio’s directive stated:
“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.”
The cable, shared globally with US diplomats, signals a new push to limit student visas — citing claims that foreign students have contributed to an anti-semitic atmosphere in America.
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Existing Interviews Unaffected
The order only halts the scheduling of new student or exchange visitor visa interviews. Interviews already booked will proceed as planned.
Previously, the US had targeted social media vetting at students involved in pro-Palestine protests. However, the cable does not clarify whether the new checks will be broader or focused on particular activities.
The Trump administration’s push aligns with earlier executive orders around national security, but this new directive leaves many questions about the future of student visas in the US.
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US student visas, Marco Rubio, visa interviews, Trump administration, social media vetting, F-1 visa, M visa, J visa