The Trump administration has announced a temporary suspension of all new student and exchange visitor visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. This directive, issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, affects F, M, and J visa categories and is part of a broader initiative to intensify national security screenings for international students.
The suspension aims to implement expanded social media vetting procedures for applicants. An AI-powered program, known as "Catch and Revoke," has been deployed to scrutinize the online activities of current and prospective students for indications of extremist sympathies or support for designated terrorist organizations.
Since January 2025, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terminated over 4,700 SEVIS records and revoked approximately 1,550 student visas across more than 240 universities. These actions have predominantly targeted individuals with criminal records or those suspected of links to terrorist activities.
The policy shift has elicited concern from academic institutions and civil rights organizations. Critics argue that the enhanced scrutiny may infringe upon freedom of expression, particularly regarding political views expressed on social media platforms. Instances have been reported where visas were revoked based on online activities deemed critical of U.S. policies or supportive of controversial groups.
The administration maintains that these measures are essential for safeguarding national security and ensuring that individuals entering the U.S. do not pose potential threats. Secretary Rubio emphasized that visa eligibility is contingent upon adherence to U.S. laws and values.
The temporary halt in visa interviews is expected to cause delays for international students planning to commence studies in the U.S. in the upcoming academic terms. Universities reliant on foreign student enrollment may experience disruptions, and prospective students are advised to monitor official channels for updates on the resumption of visa services.
Legal challenges to the new policies are anticipated, as stakeholders seek to balance national security concerns with the rights of international students and the interests of educational institutions.