U.S. Resumes Student Visa Interviews with Controversial Social Media Scrutiny Policy

June 18, 2025
U.S. Resumes Student Visa Interviews with Controversial Social Media Scrutiny Policy
  • The State Department has resumed student visa interviews, introducing new requirements for applicants to set their social media accounts to public for scrutiny.

  • This move follows a previous pause on education visa issuance by the Trump administration, which was considering social media vetting amid rising tensions with China.

  • Applicants who refuse to make their social media profiles public may face rejection, as this could suggest an attempt to hide information.

  • The initiative aligns with guidance from US Citizenship and Immigration Services and has drawn criticism for potentially targeting dissent against Israel's actions in Gaza.

  • The increased scrutiny of international students reflects broader trends in U.S. immigration policy, including heightened grounds for terminating student legal status.

  • Previously, the Trump administration indicated that student visa holders could be deported for supporting pro-Palestinian protests or criticizing Israel.

  • This decision follows the suspension of foreign students' visa appointments last month, part of a broader initiative addressing antisemitism and national security.

  • Moreover, around 1,200 approved award recipients are undergoing an unauthorized review process that could lead to their rejection.

  • The State Department has emphasized that thorough vetting will be conducted on all student and exchange visitor applicants to ensure national security.

  • However, these new procedures are expected to strain consulate resources, as staff will need to conduct detailed reviews of social media accounts.

  • Civil liberties advocates have criticized these measures, arguing they may infringe on free speech and resemble Cold War-era ideological vetting.

  • Ultimately, failure to provide access to social media profiles will raise suspicions of concealing information from U.S. officials.

Summary based on 16 sources


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