More social media vetting considered as student visa interviews halted
The Trump administration is reportedly expanding social media vetting for foreign students applying for U.S. study programs amid a crackdown on immigration, which includes revoking student visas during deportations. The State Department has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt new interviews for student visa applicants while preparing for this enhanced vetting process. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized the importance of thorough vetting for all individuals seeking entry into the country, defending the administration’s approach as standard practise. Critics, including international education associations, argue that this move is problematic and that international students are not a threat, but rather a valuable asset to the U.S. The new vetting criteria reportedly aim to address concerns around terrorism and antisemitism.
Trump administration considers enhanced social media vetting as student visa interviews halted
The Trump administration is reportedly considering widening the scope of its social media vetting for all foreign students applying to study in the United States.
The possible added measures come as the administration cracks down on immigration, including revoking student visas during deportations.
The State Department is ordering U.S. embassies and consular sections to pause new interviews for student visa applicants. “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 septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,” the cable, obtained by Politico, states.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to weigh in on the criteria for vetting immigrants or whether students should be concerned about having their visas processed in time.
“We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country. And we’re going to continue to do that. We’re going to continue to vet and continue to have an interest. And again, whether they be student or if you’re a tourist who needs a visa, or whoever you are, we’re going to be looking at you,” she said in a briefing.
Bruce added that she doesn’t know why it’s “controversial.”
“It seems to be such a controversial thing that’s going on, but it shouldn’t be, and every nation should take seriously, and does, who’s coming in,” she said.
Politico reported that the cable does not say what the future social media vetting would screen for, but that it alludes to executive orders aimed at keeping out terrorists and battling antisemitism.
The Trump administration has drawn considerable controversy for its deportation efforts aimed at pro-Palestinian protesters, such as Columbia’s Mahmoud Khalil. Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk was virally detained in a suburb of Boston after co-writing a pro-Palestinian op-ed.
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NAFSA: Association of International Educators denounced the decision in a comment to Politico.
“The idea that the embassies have the time, the capacity and taxpayer dollars are being spent this way is very problematic,” CEO Fanta Aw said. “International students are not a threat to this country. If anything, they’re an incredible asset to this country.”
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