The U.S. Department of State revealed on Wednesday that it will resume interviews and processing for foreign student visas. Now, applicants will be required to keep their social media profiles public for review, with the possibility of denial if they do not comply.
The Department noted it would focus on identifying individuals “who pose a threat to U.S. national security,” wording it has similarly used regarding pro-Palestinian demonstrators on college campuses.
The announcement explained, “Each visa application is considered a national security decision. The United States remains vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that applicants do not harbor intentions to harm Americans or compromise our national interests. Additionally, it is essential for all applicants to convincingly prove their eligibility for the requested visa, including their intent to partake in activities that align with their entry terms.”
A person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press said consulates were told to prioritize students going to colleges where foreign students make up less than 15 percent of the student body.
An analysis from the outlet found 200 U.S. colleges and universities have more than 15 percent foreign students, mostly private schools and all eight of the Ivy Leagues.
The announcement comes as a sigh of relief to students who have been accepted to U.S. schools and need to pay their tuition and register for housing.
But it also escalates the battle begun under President Trump, with foreign students arrested, visas pulled and Harvard University told it could no longer admit international students.
Harvard, which has been targeted by Trump on multiple fronts, has sued over that decision and, so far, has won temporary injunctions halting the administration’s effort.
The chaos has led some foreign students to leave on their own and to universities from other countries trying to fill in the gap and recruit more scholars who might have gone to the U.S.
The administration has detained numerous pro-Palestinian students and faculty, arguing they are a threat to the country’s national security. None of those detained for this reason are known to have been deported, but several cases are still working their way through the courts.
