The Biden administration has directed U.S. embassies worldwide to temporarily suspend new student visa appointments, as it prepares to implement expanded social media vetting for international applicants.
A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, circulated to diplomatic posts, states that the suspension will remain in place “until further guidance is issued.” While new appointments are halted, those already scheduled will proceed as planned.
The directive signals a broader push by the administration to increase scrutiny of international students and exchange visitors, with the memo describing the upcoming changes as having “significant implications” for embassy operations. The expanded screening will require additional checks of applicants’ social media histories.
This move comes amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and top U.S. universities, particularly Ivy League institutions. The president has criticized them for what he calls left-leaning ideologies, alleged antisemitism, and discriminatory admissions policies. He is also reportedly seeking to cut around \$100 million in federal funding from Harvard University.
Foreign students, who often pay higher tuition rates, form a key source of revenue for many American colleges and universities. The visa process typically requires an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy in the applicant’s home country.
Speaking on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized the administration’s focus on thorough vetting. “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,” she said.
This latest development marks another chapter in the ongoing clash between the federal government and higher education institutions over immigration and student visa policies.
