Washington:
US President Donald Trump’s administration has instructed US embassies around the world not to schedule new appointments for student visas.
According to President Trump’s order, preparations are also being made to expand the social media testing process for these visas.
In a memo sent by the US Department of State to diplomatic missions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the order would continue till the next instructions.
The memo states that social media scrutiny for students and foreign exchange program visas will be further tightened, which will have a significant impact on US embassies and consulates around the world.
Read more: Trump administration’s big move: Harvard University bans entry of foreign students
The move is a continuation of the recent policies under which the Trump administration canceled Palestinian students’ visas, saying that these measures are being taken to deal with Jewish enmity in the US universities.
According to US media, in a directive issued yesterday, US embassies have been asked to remove future unapproved appointments for a student visa. However, the applicant whose appointment is already fixed will continue as usual.
The memo also said that the Foreign Department is preparing to expand the process of social media screening and waiting for all students visa applications.
It should be noted that foreign students seeking to study in the United States usually have to go through a visa interview phase through the US Embassy or Consulate in their homeland.
