The Donald Trump administration has issued new instructions to American consulates around the world. Under this, new appointments of Students (F), Professional (M) and Exchange Visitor (J) visa interviews have been suspended with immediate effect. This step is part of the comprehensive plan to implement compulsory social media screening for foreign students. This information was revealed in a report from Politico, cited documents signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The document clarified that with immediate effect, no new student or exchange visitor interview appointments should be determined in preparation for the expansion of the necessary social media screening, until further guidance, which we expect in the coming days. It is clear from the order that the US government is preparing for a thorough investigation into the digital activities of foreign students. However, the US has not yet stated which specific aspects this new investigation will be focused on.
What is the purpose behind this?
The report said that the roots of the new policy are in executive orders dealing with anti-terrorism measures and anti-Jewish spirit. The decision is believed to have been taken in recent months in the backdrop of protests in American premises over Israel and Gaza, which included a large number of foreign students. Last year, the Trump administration also placed some students under social media screening, which were found to be associated with protests against Israel. This process should not be considered controversial: Tammy Bruce Student Reacting to the Visa issue, US State Department spokesman Tami Bruce said that the government does not publicly comment on personal visa matters or decisions taken on them. He said that the intensive investigation process of every person entering America is taken very seriously and this process will continue in future also.
Tammy Bruce said, “Whether you are students, tourists or any category of visa holders, we will check all. This process should not be considered controversial as its purpose is to protect America’s security and social interests. The priority of President Trump and Foreign Minister Rubio is to ensure that people coming to America are with the law and play positive role during their stay in the US.” Financial impact on American universities
According to experts, this decision of Trump administration may also have a serious impact on the financial situation of American universities. According to the Institute of International Education, more than 1.1 million international students were registered in the US in the 2023–24 academic year. At the same time, the report of the National Association of Foreign Students Advisors (NAFSA) states that these students contribute $ 43.8 billion to the US economy and produce 3.78 lakh jobs. Such restrictions will not only harm students, but can also severely affect the income and local employment of universities.
Target on Harvard University
Let us know that the Trump administration has recently taken strict action against Harvard University. The administration tried to snatch his right to enroll foreign students from Harvard, saying that the university has become very generous and promoting the anti -Jewish spirit. However, a federal court immediately stayed the decision. Subsequently, Donald Trump sought a list of all foreign students from Harvard and claimed that the countries of these students do not contribute anything to the American education system, only benefit.
Concern in students and universities
This decision has spread concern among millions of students preparing to come to America. The visa process already has to wait long and now social media investigation can make this process even more complex and slow. Students from countries like India, China, Korea, Brazil and Nigeria are an important part of the American higher education system. Experts believe that if this trend continues, America’s global educational leadership situation may be in danger.
