The Trump administration is considering requiring all international students applying to study in the US to undergo social media screening, a major expansion of earlier efforts, according to a Politico report.
To prepare for this new requirement, the administration has directed US embassies and consular offices to halt scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants, according to the report.
The cable, dated Tuesday, was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
If implemented, the plan could significantly slow down student visa processing and financially impact universities that depend on foreign students.
“Effective immediately, in anticipation of expanded mandatory social media screening and vetting, consular sections should refrain from adding new appointment slots for student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visas until further guidance is provided via a separate telegram in the coming days,” the cable instructed.