TRUMPS ADMINISTRATION TO VET SOCIAL MEDIA FOR STUDENTS SEEKING VISA’S
US President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered embassies to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants.
In a copy of a memo sent to diplomatic posts, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the pause would last until further guidance is issued. The message said social media vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign exchange visas, which would have significant implications for embassies and consulates.
The state department memo, directed US embassies to remove any unfilled appointments from their calendars for students seeking visas, but said those with appointments already scheduled could go ahead.
The diplomatic cable also said the state department was preparing for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting applicable to all student visa applications. It does not however spell out what the vetting would look for.
