The US State Department on Tuesday confirmed that the visa screening process for foreign students may soon get significantly tougher, with a strong focus on social media activity. This comes amid growing concerns from the Trump administration about security and ideological vetting.
Addressing reporters at a State Department briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce underlined that the US is taking the vetting of all visa applicants very seriously. “Whether you’re a student or a tourist who needs a visa, or whoever you are, we’re going to be looking at you,” Bruce said. “Why would it seem to be such a controversial thing? But it shouldn’t be.”
Her comments follow reports, first published by Politico, that the Donald Trump administration is weighing stricter background checks for student visa applicants — including a proposal to examine their social media profiles. A diplomatic cable revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered US embassies and consulates to halt new interview appointments for student visa applicants, pending revised guidelines.
Defending the move, Bruce described it as necessary even if it appears burdensome. “We know that some of these steps might come off as counterproductive,” she said, “but it is a goal, as stated by President Trump and Secretary Rubio, to make sure that people who are here understand what the law is, that they don’t have any criminal intent, and that they are going to be contributors to the experience here.”
The State Department declined to disclose the specific tools or methods to be used for screening, citing security concerns. “We’re not going to lay out here with the media the nature of the steps that are taken, the methods that we use,” Bruce added, noting that discretion is key to ensuring their effectiveness.
Critics have warned that such policies may deter genuine students and reinforce perceptions of the US as increasingly unwelcoming, particularly for applicants from certain countries. The administration, however, maintains that the tighter rules are essential to national security.
Earlier in the day, the State Department halted scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the US while it prepared to expand the screening of their social media activity.
A US official said the suspension is intended to be temporary and does not apply to applicants who had previously scheduled interviews. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an internal administration document. A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press says the State Department plans to issue expanded social media vetting guidance.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity” until the guidance is issued.
Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, removing it from the programme that allows schools to sponsor foreign students for visas. The university quickly challenged in court and blocked by a federal judge.
ALSO READ: Who is Bishara Bahbah and why is he key to Trump’s Middle East strategy?