US Considers Mandatory Social Media Screening for International Students

New York, May 28 (PTI) – The United States is reportedly employing "every tool in our tool chest" to vet individuals entering the country, including international students. This decision follows reports that the Trump administration has instructed embassies and consular sections worldwide to suspend scheduling new student visa interviews while evaluating social media vetting processes for these applicants.

According to Politico, the Trump administration is considering implementing mandatory social media vetting for all foreign students applying to study in the U.S. As part of this preparation, embassies and consular sections have been directed to pause interviews for student visa applicants.

When questioned about the potential policy, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that such discussions, if true, would not have been publicized and could only exist in leaked materials. She reiterated that the U.S. uses every available resource to vet individuals seeking entry, emphasizing the nation’s sovereign right to know about the intentions and backgrounds of those entering. This process applies to all immigrants, whether students or other categories.

According to the Politico report, a May 27 "cable" signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that an expansion of social media screening is forthcoming, leading to the halt in scheduling new student or exchange visitor visa appointments.

Bruce emphasized the administration's commitment to the vetting process, regardless of individuals applying for student or tourist visas. She advocated for transparency and noted the importance of understanding who visits the country, ensuring they pose no threat and contribute positively during their stay.

Concerns have been raised about potential delays in visa processing, as former advisory commission member Ajay Bhutoria warned that the pause could impact Indian students aiming for Fall 2025. With Indian students’ significant contributions to the U.S. economy, this development could force students to defer admissions or face financial and emotional difficulties.

Bhutoria urged the State Department to prioritize student visa processing by enhancing consular resources and expediting appointments for Fall 2025. He called for congressional transparency on the pause's scope and impact to preserve the U.S.’s status as a global education hub.

The move coincides with the administration's recent order for the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Programme certification. The decision impacts Harvard’s ability to enroll international students and criticizes the university for fostering an "unsafe campus environment" related to pro-Palestine protests. This crackdown reportedly includes social media screenings aimed at returning students involved in such protests, with some visas revoked and deportations ordered.

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