The Trump administration has ordered US consulates worldwide to pause new student visa interviews, as reported by Politico. This directive comes as part of a broader effort to implement social media vetting for all foreign students applying to study in the United States. The move is expected to create significant delays in visa processing and could also put a financial strain on US universities that depend heavily on international student enrolment.

According to documents signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and accessed by Politico, consular sections have been instructed to stop adding any new student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointments until further guidance is issued. The directive was made effective immediately and signals an expansion of the social media screening process for foreign students. The memo indicated that the implementation of these new checks would be announced soon, further complicating an already strained visa system.

The Trump administration had previously introduced social media screening requirements targeting returning students, especially those who had been involved in protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The latest order, however, suggests that the scope of social media vetting will be significantly broadened, although specifics on what new measures will be implemented have yet to be disclosed. The reference to executive orders related to counterterrorism and the fight against antisemitism hints at the possible inclusion of more comprehensive scrutiny.

The decision to pause new visa appointments has raised concerns across the academic community. Over 1.1 million international students enrolled in US colleges and universities during the 2023-24 academic year, according to data from the Institute of International Education. Additionally, foreign students contribute an estimated USD 43.8 billion annually to the US economy and support more than 378,000 jobs nationwide. The disruption in visa processing, therefore, poses a threat not only to the students but also to the institutions that rely on international enrolment for revenue.

This move is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to impose stricter regulations on US universities, particularly targeting elite institutions like Harvard University, which it accuses of harboring liberal biases and promoting antisemitism. In an effort to curb the influence of these institutions, the administration recently moved to revoke Harvard’s authority to enroll international students. This decision was quickly contested in court and put on hold. Nonetheless, the Trump administration has continued its scrutiny of foreign students and universities, demanding a list of all international students at Harvard and accusing their home countries of failing to contribute to the cost of education in the United States.

The impact of these measures could be felt throughout the higher education sector. US universities, particularly those with strong international student populations, face mounting pressure as the government intensifies its focus on student visa policies. These policies could drive away prospective students who may seek to study in other countries with more favorable visa regulations. The financial burden placed on US universities, particularly those that have come under scrutiny, may also result in increased tuition fees or cuts in other areas, affecting the overall academic experience for both domestic and international students.

As the situation develops, the uncertainty surrounding the US visa system continues to grow. International students are left in limbo, unsure of when they might be able to attend their desired institutions or whether they will face additional hurdles in obtaining a visa. For universities, the new regulations only add to the complexity of an already challenging environment, where competition for global talent is intensifying.

The Trump administration’s expansion of social media vetting for foreign student visas is expected to disrupt the visa application process and place a financial strain on US universities. As universities and international students navigate these new regulations, the future of US higher education may face significant challenges.