Temporary suspension of student visa issuance in the U.S. - United States halts student visa approvals
Temporarily Suspended: US Student Visa Issuance
The United States has temporarily halted new visa interviews for international students seeking F, M, and J visas. This pause, effective as of May 2025, is part of an initiative to enhance the vetting process, which includes expanded social media screening within the visa application process [2][3][4]. Scheduled interviews will proceed as planned.
The decision affects universities nationwide, including Harvard, which was recently subject to a court order to halt the ban on enrolling international students [3]. The measures, originally implemented during the Trump administration, aim to combat terrorist activities and antisemitism [2][3].
Current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has taken an active role in these developments. Rubio has linked tighter visa restrictions to campus unrest, suggesting that applicants who indicate a propensity for disruptive activities may be denied visas. Rubio's primary concern is to ensure that applicants do not pose a security or safety threat to the U.S. [2][3].
Critics argue that these measures are serving as a pretext for suppressing political dissent and free speech, particularly targeting students supporting Palestinian rights. Expansion of social media screening could lead to delays in visa processing, potentially impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract international students [2][3].
In Berlin, the Green Party's deputy parliamentary leader, Misbah Khan, voiced concerns over the potentially detrimental effects on democracy and academic freedom. However, Japan and Hong Kong prompted local universities to accept foreign students from U.S. universities in light of these developments [5].
The debate regarding support for Harvard University continued, with President Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, advocating for state funds to be allocated to vocational schools instead [6]. This stance reflects the president's interest in channeling taxpayer money towards institutions promoting "American values" and prioritizing vocational training [6].
The controversy led to protests at Harvard University, where students rallied against plans to cut all remaining federal funds for the university [7]. The protesters, who gathered on campus to support their international peers, raised signs reading "Trump = Traitor" and chanted slogans such as "Whoever belongs in the seminar today should stay" [7].
The White House's condemnation of Harvard University continued, with Leavitt stating that federal funds should be directed towards vocational schools and institutions promoting skills essential to the U.S. economy and society [6]. Addressing the issue, Leavitt stated, "We need more of that in our country and less LGBTQ graduates from Harvard University." [6]
Sources:[1] AFP[2] New York Times[3] US government orders[4] U.S. State Department statement[5] Berlin statement[6] White House press briefing, Fox News[7] Harvard University protest reports
- Tammy Bruce, a political commentator, criticized the US government's decision to halt new student visas, arguing that it could potentially stifle education-and-self-development opportunities for students and hinder general-news reporting on diverse perspectives within democracy-related discussions.
- In response to the US State Department's expanded social media screening within the visa application process, advocates for online-education and learning, such as Harvard University, are considering policy-and-legislation avenues to challenge this measure, maintaining that it could lead to delays in visa processing and negatively impact the education sector.
- Amidst the discussions surrounding US visa restrictions, politicians like Marco Rubio are emphasizing the need for stronger campus security within US universities, particularly focusing on applicants with a history of disruptive activities, claiming that such measures would be beneficial for policy-and-legislation aimed at improving public safety.
