Trump Admin Considers Social Media Vetting for All Foreign Students

US considers social media vetting for foreign students, pausing visa interviews. Universities fear financial impact. Critics cite vague guidance and targetting.

• Trump administration considering requiring social media vetting for all foreign students applying to study in the U.S.
• U.S. Embassies and consular sections ordered to pause scheduling new student visa interviews in preparation.
• The move could slow down visa processing and hurt universities financially, as they rely on foreign students.
• Previous social media screening requirements targeted returning students involved in protests against Israel.
• The cable doesn't specify what the new social media vetting would screen for, but mentions executive orders aimed at keeping out terrorists and battling antisemitism.
• State Department officials have complained about vague guidance on vetting students involved in campus protests.
• The administration has used rules to target universities, like Harvard, it deems too liberal and accuses of allowing antisemitism.
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators criticized the decision, calling international students an asset, not a threat.