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Last Updated:May 28, 2025, 12:45 IST
US Student Visa: Officials will review social media profiles for content that could deem applicants as inadmissible.
White House' latest move comes amid a broader crackdown on international students.
The Donald Trump administration will look at your social media posts before your visa interview as the White House signaled a significant expansion of vetting measures for foreign students. The latest move, detailed in an internal cable from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes amid a broader crackdown on international students, following widespread pro-Palestine protests on US university campuses last year.
Social Media Vetting: What Will Be Seen
The US State Department’s directive indicates a plan to issue updated guidance on social media vetting for all student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants to scrutinize applicants’ online activity and thereby assess their eligibility for entry. Officials will review social media profiles for content that could deem them inadmissible and posts- like the ones on terrorism and antisemitism- could trigger intensified scrutiny.
Read more: US Halts Student Visa Interviews As Trump Admin Weighs Tighter Social Media Checks: Report
Will This Be Applied On Returning Students Too?
Yes, the White House had earlier implemented some social media screening, primarily for returning students but the mandate now applies to all new applicants. Students with already scheduled interviews will proceed under current guidelines, but new appointments will not be added until further guidance is issued.
Why Is US Pushing For ‘Thorough Vetting’?
Secretary Marco Rubio’s cable states, “The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants."
During a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce affirmed the US commitment to comprehensive visa applicant screening, saying, “Whether someone is coming as a student or under another category, we are committed to thorough vetting."
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world Applying For A US Student Visa? Why Your Social Media History, Especially Political Posts, Matters
