US to Screen Foreign Students' Social Media, Halts Visa Appointments

New Delhi – The Trump administration is evaluating a significant policy shift that would mandate social media screening for all foreign students seeking to study in the United States. According to a report in POLITICO, which obtained an official US State Department directive, this consideration has prompted an immediate suspension of new student visa interview scheduling. This development raises significant concerns for prospective Indian students and academic institutions in the US.

The directive cited by POLITICO instructs US Embassies and consular sections to cease adding new visa appointments for individuals applying under student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) categories. The F category visas are designated for academic studies at accredited US institutions, while the M category visas cover non-academic or vocational studies. The J category visas are intended for exchange visitors participating in educational and cultural exchange programmes. The official instruction explains that this pause serves as "preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting." Further guidelines from the administration are anticipated soon.

Should this policy be enacted, it is projected to cause considerable delays in the visa application process. This could adversely affect numerous Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in the US. Furthermore, American universities, which often depend financially on international student enrolment, could face negative consequences.

While certain social media screening practices were previously implemented, they were largely aimed at specific student groups. The new proposal suggests a universal application. According to the POLITICO report, the official directive links this initiative to executive orders targeting terrorism prevention and antisemitism. However, it does not specify the criteria for social media content that might lead to heightened scrutiny. POLITICO also highlights that this lack of clarity has drawn internal criticism within the State Department.

Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, expressed criticism of the proposal. As reported by POLITICO, she stated it "unfairly cast aspersions on hardworking students" and questioned the practical application and cost-effectiveness of such extensive screening. She emphasised that "International students are not a threat... they’re an incredible asset." Key social media companies, including Meta and Google, have not issued comments on the matter.

This potential visa policy change is occurring within a broader context of strained relations between the Trump administration and several US universities. A BBC report indicates that the administration is urging federal agencies to review and potentially terminate or reallocate financial contracts and grants with Harvard University. The report notes that the White House has cited discrimination and antisemitism as reasons for its actions against Harvard, claims the university disputes. These actions follow previous attempts to freeze funding and restrict Harvard's ability to host international students and researchers.