US Halts Student Visa Appointments Amidst Social Media Scrutiny

The US State Department has announced a temporary halt to new student visa appointments. This decision, part of the Trump administration's broader restrictions on international students, requires applicants to undergo expanded social media screenings. "This is a move that halts a basic step in the visa application process," stated a news reporter in a recent CBS New York report. The pause will remain in effect until further guidance is issued, impacting students worldwide who rely on timely visa processing for their studies. The State Department is developing new guidelines on how it screens and vets visa applicants, including social media accounts, a process already in place for some students. This change is expected to significantly slow down the visa process. However, students who have already scheduled their interviews can still proceed. One State Department official commented, "It seems to be such a controversial thing that's going on, but it shouldn't be." The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and their impact on international education.