The Trump administration has paused new visa interview appointments for international students, citing plans to expand social media vetting. An internal State Department memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructed U.S. embassies worldwide to halt scheduling for F, M, and J visa categories, which include students and exchange visitors.

The move is part of a broader crackdown tied to concerns about campus protests and national security. Rubio’s memo said the department is reviewing its vetting processes and will issue updated guidance.

The suspension follows criticism from the Trump administration toward elite U.S. universities, which it accuses of tolerating anti-Semitic behavior during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Critics argue the move infringes on free speech and disproportionately affects international students ? numbering over 1.13 million in the U.S.

China urged the U.S. to protect the rights of foreign students, while universities expressed concern about the policy’s potential impact on funding and enrollment.

The administration also announced visa restrictions on foreign nationals accused of censoring Americans online, citing national sovereignty and free speech.

Luis Apolo
Staff Reporter
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