Trump Action on Student visas: The Trump administration has ordered a halt to interviews for new student visas. According to reports, the US has issued instructions to its embassies and consulates abroad in this regard as it is making it mandatory to check the social media accounts of applicants.
However, the US has said that all possible methods are being adopted to check other people, including students, coming to the country. A report published in ‘Politico’ said, “The Trump administration is considering making the process of checking the social media accounts of all foreign students applying to study in the US mandatory.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an order in this regard on Tuesday. Rubio issued an order to US embassies around the world and said – they should not schedule new interviews for student visas, because the Trump administration is going to tighten the scrutiny of social media profiles of students coming to the US.
He added – With immediate effect, the Consular Section should not allow new interviews for student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visas until further guidelines are issued, although previously scheduled interviews may be conducted.
Officials check likes and comments on social media
The ban applies to the F, M and J visa categories, which cover most international students and exchange visitors. It is claimed that students coming through these programs could pose a threat to American security or encourage anti-Semitic sentiment.
The Trump administration has also ordered officials to scrutinize posts, likes, comments and shares on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and X to detect content deemed a threat to national security.
