Donald Trump has ordered American embassies and consulates to suspend the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applications. The U.S. government wants to screen students’ social media.
Anyone who wants to study in the United States must usually first do an interview at an embassy or consulate in the country where they live. Suspending these interviews could seriously delay the student visa application process.
The measure is necessary, according to the government, because it wants to investigate the social media of all foreign students who want to study in the U.S.
Screening students’ social media takes preparation time, report news site POLITICO and news agency Reuters, who have seen Foreign Minister Marco Rubio’s message to the embassies and consulates.
The remaining interview days must therefore be canceled, writes Rubio. The Trump administration’s decision has no consequences for students who already have an appointment.
Universities may also be affected
Not only students will be affected by the pause in visa interviews. It may also affect the universities themselves. The institutions could lose money.
Last week it was announced that the prestigious Harvard University is no longer allowed to enroll foreign students. Trump has been at odds with Harvard for some time. An American court struck down the ban shortly after the president’s announcement.