The Trump administration has ordered the resumption of student and exchange visa appointments, while simultaneously introducing a sweeping new policy requiring U.S. consular officers to conduct rigorous social media and online presence vetting of all applicants. The directive, outlined in a June 18 State Department cable reviewed by Reuters, marks a significant tightening of immigration screening aimed at identifying individuals deemed hostile to the United States.
The cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to all U.S. diplomatic missions, instructs officers to look for applicants who “bear hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.” It also encourages scrutiny of those with histories of political activism, especially when linked to violence or opposition to U.S. foreign policy.
Applicants may be asked to make their social media accounts public. Failure to do so could be interpreted as an attempt to conceal potentially disqualifying content. Officers are expected to use search engines and online tools to examine not only social media activity but the applicant’s entire online footprint.
“For example, during an online search, you might discover that an applicant endorsed Hamas or its activities,” the cable states, adding such findings could result in visa ineligibility.
This move follows a temporary pause on new student visa appointments issued on May 27 as the administration reviewed and expanded its screening protocols. The enhanced vetting was piloted through applications related to Harvard University, where foreign students constitute over a quarter of the student body.
Critics have raised alarm, calling the policy an attack on free speech. The administration has faced backlash after reports surfaced of students being detained or denied entry over political views, including a Tufts University student from Turkey held for six weeks after co-authoring an article critical of Israel.
Although appointments have resumed, the cable warns that more extensive background checks will reduce the number of applications that consulates can process. Priority will now be given to foreign-born doctors in U.S. exchange programs and students attending universities with low international enrollment.
U.S. missions have been ordered to implement the new procedures within five business days, as the administration continues to link immigration vetting with national security concerns.
Written By Rodney Mbua
