Chinese students wait outside the U.S. Embassy for their visa application interviews, in Beijing on May 2, 2012.
Alexander F. Yuan/AP
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Alexander F. Yuan/AP
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that the process for foreigners applying for student visas will be reinstated, with the new requirement of unlocking social media accounts for government review.
The department emphasized that consular officers will be vigilant in identifying posts and messages that may be perceived as hostile to the United States or its values.
The notice also mentioned that new applicants who decline to make their social media accounts public for review may face rejection, as this could indicate an attempt to evade the requirement or conceal online activities.
Last month, the Trump administration temporarily halted new visa interview scheduling for foreign students wishing to study in the U.S. while expanding the screening of their social media activity.
International students worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of visa appointment bookings at U.S. consulates as the deadline for travel and accommodation arrangements ahead of the academic year approaches.
On Wednesday, a 27-year-old Ph.D. student in Toronto, identified as Chen, successfully secured a visa interview appointment for a research internship in the U.S. starting in late July.
The State Department instructed consulates to prioritize students seeking admission to colleges where foreigners constitute less than 15% of the student body.
According to federal education data from 2023, over 200 U.S. universities have a foreign student population exceeding 15%, including private and public institutions.
International students in the U.S. have faced heightened scrutiny, with the Trump administration revoking study permissions for thousands of students before reversing the decision.
The administration’s efforts to limit foreign student enrollment at Harvard University have sparked controversy, with concerns raised about political speech censorship.
The State Department defended the social media vetting policy as a measure to ensure thorough screening of individuals entering the country.
In guidance to consular officers, the department outlined the need to identify any displays of hostility toward the U.S. or its principles.
Jameel Jaffer from Columbia University raised concerns about the policy resembling Cold War era ideological vetting, potentially stifling legitimate political discourse.
The Trump administration has also urged 36 countries to enhance traveler vetting or face potential inclusion in the U.S. travel ban list.
