The U.S. State Department has announced the resumption of student visa appointments, ending a temporary suspension initiated on May 27.
The new policy, outlined in an internal cable sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, introduces rigorous social media vetting for all foreign student and exchange visitor applicants.
Consular officers are now tasked with conducting a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” to identify individuals who may exhibit “hostile attitudes” toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.
Applicants must make their social media accounts public, and refusal to comply may be interpreted as an attempt to conceal online activity, potentially leading to visa denial.
The vetting process extends beyond social media to include an applicant’s entire online presence, utilizing search engines and other digital resources to uncover derogatory information.
The State Department’s guidance highlights specific concerns, such as endorsements of groups like Hamas, which could render an applicant ineligible.
The policy also emphasizes scrutiny of political activism, particularly if associated with violence or views deemed incompatible with U.S. principles.
This move follows a pilot program targeting enhanced screening for visa applicants to Harvard University, signaling a broader expansion of vetting measures across U.S. diplomatic missions.
The tightened screening has sparked relief and concern among international students.
A 27-year-old Chinese Ph.D. student in Toronto, identified only as Chen, expressed relief after securing a visa interview, stating, “I’m really relieved.”
However, the policy has raised alarms about potential censorship.
Jameel Jaffer, executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, criticized the measures, saying, “This policy makes a censor of every consular officer, and it will inevitably chill legitimate political speech both inside and outside the United States.”
As students from countries like China, India, and Mexico monitor visa booking platforms, the new requirements prioritize applicants to U.S. colleges with foreign student populations below 15%, affecting enrollment dynamics at institutions like Ivy League schools and public universities.