The US State Department has halted student visa processing under orders from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking an intensified effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls. This pause affects visa applicants for schools and exchange programs, particularly targeting students linked to activism against U.S. foreign policy. The review process includes expanded social media vetting, prompting significant backlash from educational institutions. The decision comes at a time when international students, who contribute meaningfully to the U.S. economy, are facing increased scrutiny. Their numbers exceed 1.1 million, highlighting the tension between immigration policy and educational engagement.
The pause in student visa processing reflects the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to tighten immigration screening amid increased scrutiny of foreign students and their activities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for expanded social media vetting of visa applicants, indicating a focus on monitoring activities deemed counter to U.S. interests.
The U.S. State Department's recent decision to hold student visa processing comes amidst tensions with higher education institutions, particularly in relation to their responses to political activism.
More than 1.1 million international students enrolled in U.S. institutions during the 2023-24 academic year, underscoring their significant economic contributions despite new restrictions.
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