US stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students while it expands social media vetting

The State Department has temporarily suspended the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students seeking to study in the U.S. This pause is in preparation for an expansion of social media screening and vetting processes for applicants. Officials stated the suspension is temporary and does not affect those who have already scheduled interviews. This move is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to increase scrutiny of international students. Previously, the administration attempted to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, a move that was temporarily blocked by a federal judge. The administration also previously revoked the legal status of thousands of international students already in the country, leading to some departures and subsequent legal challenges. The policy of reviewing social media accounts for visa applicants was initiated under the Trump administration and has continued. A prolonged pause in scheduling student visas could potentially disrupt enrollment plans for summer and fall terms. A decline in international student enrollment could negatively impact university budgets, as some institutions rely on their tuition to offset cuts in federal research funding.