US halts student visa appointments and plans expanded social media vetting

The US government has recently announced a pause on scheduling new student visa appointments at US embassies worldwide. This decision means that students who want to study in the United States may face delays in getting their visas. Along with this pause, the government plans to increase its screening of social media accounts for all student and foreign exchange visa applicants. This expanded social media vetting could have significant effects on how embassies and consulates process visa applications. Many international students, including hundreds of thousands from China, attend US universities each year. China has urged the US to protect the rights and interests of these international students, emphasizing the importance of their safety and well-being. US universities often rely heavily on foreign students because they pay higher tuition fees, which help support the schools financially. The new policy requires students to schedule interviews at US embassies in their home countries before they can receive a visa. However, the recent memo instructs embassies to cancel any unfilled appointments for student visas until further notice, although those with already scheduled appointments can still proceed. The US State Department has stated that it takes the vetting process seriously to ensure that only suitable individuals enter the country. While the government has not detailed what the expanded social media checks will involve, it is clear that this is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten control over some of America's top universities. The administration has accused these institutions of being too politically left-leaning and of failing to address antisemitism, especially during pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. In response, some universities argue that the government is infringing on free speech rights protected by the US Constitution. Harvard University has been a particular focus of the administration's actions. The government has frozen billions of dollars in federal funding to Harvard and has tried to block the university from enrolling international students or hosting foreign researchers. These moves have faced legal challenges, with courts blocking some of the policies. Harvard's president has warned that cutting funding will harm not only the university but also the country, as important research is conducted there. Students at Harvard have protested against these policies, emphasizing that international students are a vital part of the university community. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the government and higher education institutions over issues of free speech, campus activism, and immigration policies affecting students from around the world.