Trump pauses student visa interview amid plans for social media vetting

The United States has stopped giving new interview dates for student visas at embassies across the globe, though interviews already booked will continue as planned. The Trump administration is set to make stricter rules on social media account checks of foreign students. The order was issued through a diplomatic cable sent on Tuesday, May 27, by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 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, Rubio wrote. According to the cable, more detailed instructions will be provided soon. The latest move comes as the administration is tightening entry rules for foreign students, citing threats to national security and concerns around campus unrest.