The U.S. State Department has resumed processing student visas for international applicants, but under a stringent new policy requiring all applicants to grant access to their social media accounts. The move has sparked concern among global academic communities and raised questions about privacy, free expression, and the future of international education in the United States.
According to the Associated Press, consular officers will now review applicants’ social media posts and private messages for any content deemed critical of the U.S. government, culture, or founding values. The policy, implemented after a temporary visa suspension in May, allows for visa denials if applicants refuse to disclose their online activity or if their posts raise red flags.
A 27-year-old Chinese PhD student currently in Toronto, who had planned to begin an internship in the U.S. this July, confirmed receiving a visa interview invitation this week—a sign that the program is back on track. Still, the process has become more selective. U.S. embassies have reportedly been instructed to prioritize students from universities where international enrollment is below 15%, a threshold exceeded by over 200 American institutions, according to federal data.
The decision follows the earlier revocation of thousands of student visas under the Trump administration and reflects an increasingly security-focused immigration policy. The State Department has defended the new screening protocol as a necessary measure to “safeguard national interests.”
In a parallel move, the U.S. has issued a 60-day deadline to 36 countries to enhance their traveler vetting systems or face potential entry bans for their citizens. This ultimatum further signals Washington’s hardening stance on immigration and global mobility.
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Critics argue the social media requirement could deter talented students from pursuing education in the U.S., while others warn it may infringe on privacy and freedom of expression. As the policy rolls out, its long-term impact on international education and diplomatic relations remains uncertain.