US orders pause in student visa interviews ahead of new social media vetting: reports
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says no new appointments should be added, though those already scheduled can go ahead
The order, laid out in a diplomatic cable on Tuesday, is the latest effort by the administration to restrict international students’ entry to the US over claims that they might promote antisemitism or otherwise threaten national security.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued … in the coming days,” some media outlets have cited the cable as stating.
According to the cable, details of which were first reported by Politico, previously scheduled interviews can proceed.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce did not confirm details from the cable during a Tuesday briefing with reporters. When asked if students should expect delays in their visa processing, she said: “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that”.