Trump’s administration plans to order social media screening for all foreign students who are applying for studying in the US, and in the preparation of the US embassy and consular offices, they suspended new interviews with students.
“Immediately, as part of the preparation for the extension of the required screening and social media screening, the consular sections should not add any other student or exchange visitor (F, M and J), the appointment capacity of the visa until other instructions we expect in the coming days,” Politico quoted. (“Septel” is an abbreviation of the State Ministry for “Separate Telegram”)
Directive, dated Tuesday and was signed by Foreign Minister Rubio, as stated.
The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for commentary, while the NAFSA official: Association of International Educators, Non -Profit Organizations, also refused to provide immediate response, Politico reported.
Potential wound
This step means a significant escalation of existing screening efforts and can slow down the processing of student visas.
If the new policy was introduced, the new policy for US universities and universities could mention a heavy blow, many of which are strongly relying on international students for teaching income.
The view of the widespread delay of visa as a result of social media screening could discourage potential candidates from the selection of US institutions.
Previous screening of target protesters
Earlier forms of screening in social media focused mainly on the return on students who participated in protests – especially those criticized by Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Although the new policy does not explicitly defines what content or association would be reviewed, it refers to executive orders bound to counter -terrorism and efforts to combat anti -Semitism.
Intervention at elite universities
The administration has previously focused on universities, especially elite institutions, such as Harvard, accusing to carry anti -Semitic sentiment and support liberal ideologies.
The new Visa Policy is in line with wider immigration interventions that have already included several foreign students.
No official criteria have been outlined yet
Although the cable will cease to determine exactly what the widespread screening will look for in the accounts of social media applicants, the assumed focus remains on national safety and ideological threats.
The development of policy emphasizes the growing efforts of Trump’s administration to use immigration instruments to influence influence on American academic institutions.
(Tagstotranslate) Trump administration
