Overview

• The Department of State will resume processing international student visa applications under new guidelines that require applicants to set all social media profiles to public for content review.
• The directive follows a suspension of student visa appointments in May ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio pending updated social media verification procedures.
• The policy implements a Trump administration executive order from January that sought increased vetting of entrants for hostile attitudes toward U.S. citizens, culture, or institutions.
• The Department of Homeland Security has also been tasked with screening applicants for any anti-Semitic activity that could trigger visa refusals.
• University leaders warn the measures risk driving prospective students to institutions in Europe and Asia, potentially diminishing the U.S. academic talent pool.