KUALA LUMPUR – The United States is reportedly preparing to implement stricter social media screening for all foreign students seeking to study in the country, a move that could significantly delay visa processing and impact institutions that depend heavily on international enrolments.
A diplomatic cable signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, obtained by Politico, instructs American embassies and consular offices to temporarily halt the scheduling of new interviews for student and exchange visa categories — specifically F, M, and J visas — pending further instructions.
“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 septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,” the cable read. The term “septel” refers to a separate telegram in diplomatic communication.
Although previous screening procedures were already in place, particularly targeting students who had returned to the US after participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the current plan represents a broader and more systemic shift. The cable references executive orders aimed at combating terrorism and antisemitism but does not provide clear guidelines on what content would trigger further scrutiny.
Officials within the State Department have privately voiced concern over the lack of clarity in earlier directives, particularly surrounding what constitutes grounds for additional screening. Questions have been raised about whether merely displaying support for Palestine online — such as posting an image of its flag — could affect a student’s visa status.
The Trump administration’s wider approach to immigration and higher education has seen increased oversight of institutions it views as liberal strongholds. Elite universities such as Harvard have come under criticism for allegedly allowing antisemitism to fester on campus and for maintaining what the administration claims are discriminatory practices.
Foreign students, who frequently pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, are a major source of income for many American universities. The current directive may pose financial challenges for these institutions, especially if delays or increased rejections deter future enrolment.
Fanta Aw, chief executive officer of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, strongly criticised the move, stating: “The idea that the embassies have the time, the capacity and taxpayer dollars are being spent this way is very problematic. International students are not a threat to this country. If anything, they’re an incredible asset to this country.”
Despite multiple requests for comment, the US State Department has yet to issue a formal response. Social media companies including Meta, Google, Snap, X, TikTok, Discord, Bluesky, and Reddit have also remained silent on whether they have been consulted or involved in this policy shift.
The administration has already taken several contentious steps regarding international students, including efforts to withdraw funding from universities and cancel visa privileges, although many of these have been challenged in court. Harvard University, which has a large international student body, was recently barred from enrolling foreign students and hosting international researchers — a measure later halted by a federal judge. - May 28, 2025
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