US to check social media accounts of those seeking student visas

The Donald Trump administration is considering checking the social media accounts of all foreign students applying to study in the United States, Politico reported, citing sources.

In response, the administration has ordered U.S. embassies and consular offices to stop scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants.

It is noted that this situation could significantly slow down the processing of student visas. It is also likely to harm many universities that rely mainly on foreign students for their income.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for the expanded screening and verification plan required on social media, consular offices should not schedule additional student or exchange program participants (F, M, and J visas) for visa interviews until further notice. We expect to issue additional guidance on this in a separate message in the coming days,” the order signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Rubio's telegram did not specify what information students would be screened for, but it mentioned Trump's executive orders aimed at combating terrorism and anti-Semitism.

Politico notes that the Trump administration has previously introduced social media vetting requirements, but they were aimed at foreign students who may be participating in protests against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.

The US government had previously stripped Harvard University of its right to admit foreign students, accusing the educational institution of "inciting violence, anti-Semitism, and collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party."