US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed America’s embassies worldwide to stop scheduling student visa interviews as US President Donald Trump’s administration considers more expansive vetting of the social media profiles of applicants, US media has reported.
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The order, laid out in a diplomatic cable on Tuesday, is the latest effort by the administration to restrict international students’ entry to the US over claims that they might promote antisemitism or otherwise threaten national security.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued … in the coming days,” some media outlets have cited the cable as stating.
According to the cable, details of which were first reported by Politico, previously scheduled interviews can proceed.
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Citing China ‘activity’, Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students
Citing China ‘activity’, Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Rubio had signalled more restrictions on visa applicants and holders just last week.