As US President Donald Trump has been pushing for more strict rules for foreigners coming into the United States, the State Department has now introduced a new obstacle for international students.The US State Department, as a part of a broader strategy, will be tightening immigration controls as US State Secretary Marco Rubio ordered the suspension of student visa processing.Rubio said in an internal cable seen by Reuters that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of students.<h2>What is social media vetting?</h2>Social media vetting means conducting a background check to verify someone's internet presence and reputation across their social media handles.Under the new rule, the US State Department will now scrutinise foreign student applicants on their social media and internet presence.This will include checking social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and others.This comes days after the US president sought the records of international students from Harvard University. The Trump administration also imposed some social media screening requirements earlier, but those were majorly to check the returning students."The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants," the Politico cable said. Further, a senior State Department official confirmed the accuracy of the cable.Moreover, the State Department also announced that the country is thoroughly assessing the necessity of allowing international students and tourists to enter the country.State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the step was taken to ensure that those entering the United States do not have any criminal background.The Trump administration warned that failure to follow the rules will result in deportation.&nbsp;

Rubio said in an internal cable seen by Reuters that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of students.

As US President Donald Trump has been pushing for more strict rules for foreigners coming into the United States, the State Department has now introduced a new obstacle for international students. The US State Department, as a part of a broader strategy, will be tightening immigration controls as US State Secretary Marco Rubio ordered the suspension of student visa processing. Rubio said in an internal cable seen by Reuters that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of students. What is social media vetting? Social media vetting means conducting a background check to verify someone's internet presence and reputation across their social media handles. Under the new rule, the US State Department will now scrutinise foreign student applicants on their social media and internet presence. This will include checking social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and others. This comes days after the US president sought the records of international students from Harvard University. The Trump administration also imposed some social media screening requirements earlier, but those were majorly to check the returning students. "The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants," the Politico cable said. Further, a senior State Department official confirmed the accuracy of the cable. Moreover, the State Department also announced that the country is thoroughly assessing the necessity of allowing international students and tourists to enter the country. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the step was taken to ensure that those entering the United States do not have any criminal background. The Trump administration warned that failure to follow the rules will result in deportation.

Rubio said in an internal cable seen by Reuters that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of students.

Obstacle for international students in US - Social media vetting | Here's all you need to know about Trump admin's new rule

The US State Department has announced that the country is thoroughly assessing the necessity of allowing international students and tourists to enter the country. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the step was taken to ensure that those entering the United States do not have any criminal background. Alongside tightening the visa proceedings, the Trump administration has also imposed new rules for international students who are already in the country. The Trump administration has stated that failure to follow the rules will result in deportation. Earlier in April, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that it would consider "antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests".&nbsp;Many students including Indians have already received visa termination notices from the Trump administration due to minor offences like violation of traffic rules. Moreover, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's eligibility to admit international students claiming that this action holds them “accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus."&nbsp;<h2>US tightens rules for student visas</h2>Skipping classesDropping out of your course while on a student visaOverstaying your visa period&nbsp;Engaging in unauthorised employmentPosting content that may be viewed as a "national security threat" &nbsp;on social media platformsMinor traffic offences or alcohol-related incidents<h2>Trump administration pauses student visa</h2>According to a memo sent to diplomatic posts on Tuesday (May 27), Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered to halt the appointments for students and foreign exchange visas “until further guidance is issued”.&nbsp;“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor … visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” read the cable, which was first reported by Politico.&nbsp;State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday, “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”

Alongside tightening the visa proceedings, the Trump administration has also imposed new rules for international students 

The US State Department has announced that the country is thoroughly assessing the necessity of allowing international students and tourists to enter the country. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the step was taken to ensure that those entering the United States do not have any criminal background. Alongside tightening the visa proceedings, the Trump administration has also imposed new rules for international students who are already in the country. The Trump administration has stated that failure to follow the rules will result in deportation. Earlier in April, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that it would consider "antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests". Many students including Indians have already received visa termination notices from the Trump administration due to minor offences like violation of traffic rules. Moreover, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's eligibility to admit international students claiming that this action holds them “accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus." US tightens rules for student visas Skipping classes Dropping out of your course while on a student visa Overstaying your visa period Engaging in unauthorised employment Posting content that may be viewed as a "national security threat" on social media platforms Minor traffic offences or alcohol-related incidents Trump administration pauses student visa According to a memo sent to diplomatic posts on Tuesday (May 27), Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered to halt the appointments for students and foreign exchange visas “until further guidance is issued”. “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor … visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” read the cable, which was first reported by Politico. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday, “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”

Alongside tightening the visa proceedings, the Trump administration has also imposed new rules for international students&nbsp;

From skipping classes to traffic offences: Breaking these new rules may lead to deportation of international students from Trump's America

President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered US embassies to stop scheduling new appointments for student visas as it gears up to expand social media screenings for applicants.&nbsp;According to a memo sent to diplomatic posts on Tuesday (May 27), Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered to halt the appointments for students and foreign exchange visas “until further guidance is issued”.&nbsp;The state department memo directed the US embassies to remove any unfilled appointments for student visas, but go ahead with those that were already scheduled.&nbsp;“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor … visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” read the cable, which was first reported by Politico.&nbsp;State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday, “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”&nbsp;Last month, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would screen some applicants, including those seeking student visas, for “antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals.”&nbsp;Recently, the Trump administration has been in dispute with some of the country’s most elite, with the president accusing them of antisemitism on campus and upholding discriminatory admissions policies.&nbsp;The administration has stopped hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to universities. Many students were deported, while thousands had their visas revoked. Many of these moves were blocked by US courts.&nbsp;A week earlier, the DHS banned enrollment of international students at Harvard University. Following this, the Ivy League university filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, citing “blatant violation” of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem justified the move by saying Harvard was “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”&nbsp;

According to a memo sent to diplomatic posts on Tuesday (May 27), Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered to halt the appointments for students and foreign exchange visas “until further guidance is issued”.

President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered US embassies to stop scheduling new appointments for student visas as it gears up to expand social media screenings for applicants. According to a memo sent to diplomatic posts on Tuesday (May 27), Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered to halt the appointments for students and foreign exchange visas “until further guidance is issued”. The state department memo directed the US embassies to remove any unfilled appointments for student visas, but go ahead with those that were already scheduled. “Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor … visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” read the cable, which was first reported by Politico. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday, “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.” Last month, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would screen some applicants, including those seeking student visas, for “antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals.” Recently, the Trump administration has been in dispute with some of the country’s most elite, with the president accusing them of antisemitism on campus and upholding discriminatory admissions policies. The administration has stopped hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to universities. Many students were deported, while thousands had their visas revoked. Many of these moves were blocked by US courts. A week earlier, the DHS banned enrollment of international students at Harvard University. Following this, the Ivy League university filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, citing “blatant violation” of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem justified the move by saying Harvard was “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”

According to a memo sent to diplomatic posts on Tuesday (May 27), Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered to halt the appointments for students and foreign exchange visas “until further guidance is issued”.

Trump administration pauses student visa appointments for ‘expansion of social media screening’

US President Donald Trump’s administration has sparked nationwide debate by halting Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the action is framed as a national security and accountability measure, economists, educators, and lawmakers warn it could severely damage America’s economic interests and international reputation.&nbsp;&nbsp;With nearly 27 per cent of Harvard’s student body is reportedly made up of international students, the implications stretch far beyond one university, potentially impacting billions in revenue, thousands of jobs, and the country’s standing in global education.<h2>Trump vs Harvard</h2>President Trump has publicly criticised Harvard, accusing the Ivy League institution of harbouring foreign influence and refusing transparency regarding its international student population. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed: “Almost 31 per cent of their students are from foreign lands… yet those countries, some not friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student’s education.”&nbsp;He further questioned why Harvard continues to seek government grants despite having a $53.2 billion endowment, saying: “We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue granting money to you.&nbsp;The action came shortly after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, barred Harvard from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a move that halts its ability to sponsor student visas and threatens the legal status of nearly 6,800 foreign students. Noem accused Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.”&nbsp;Harvard has pushed back legally, suing the Trump administration, calling the decision “unlawful and unconstitutional.” A federal judge has temporarily blocked the policy, but the long-term outcome remains uncertain.<h2>How it could hurt the US economy?</h2>International students contributed more than $44 billion to the US economy in the last year, according to National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA). NAFSA is a US-based nonprofit organisation that supports international education and exchange by providing advocacy, training, and resources to professionals in the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;As one of the most popular destinations for foreign students, Harvard alone generated hundreds of millions through tuition, housing, and local consumption.&nbsp;According to reports, each student brings an estimated $29,000 annually, supporting both the university and surrounding economies.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;NAFSA, for every three international students, one US job is created, including roles in education, housing, retail, and healthcare. In the 2023–24 academic year, foreign students supported around 378,000 jobs.&nbsp;Even small towns benefit. For instance, Mankato, Minnesota, with just 45,000 residents, saw $46 million in economic activity generated by international students, sustaining nearly 190 local jobs.&nbsp;In Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to Harvard, the absence of nearly 7,000 students could reportedly&nbsp;impact real estate markets, local restaurants, bookstores, transportation, and research collaborations.&nbsp;Other institutions fear becoming the next target. Public universities like Arizona State, UC Berkeley, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign attract tens of thousands of foreign students and reportedly generated $1.7 billion combined in local economic benefits.<h2>What happens next?</h2>While a federal judge has paused Trump’s order, the longer-term outcome remains uncertain. If the crackdown is upheld or spreads to other universities, the US risks losing its top-tier international talent, cutting off a $44 billion economic engine, and damaging its soft power in global education. What started as a political dispute could result in long-term economic and diplomatic costs. As critics ask whether such moves align with the “Make America Great Again” agenda, the country’s ability to retain its status as a global education leader is now under real threat.&nbsp;

Business & Economy: President Trump has publicly criticised Harvard, accusing the Ivy League institution of harbouring foreign influence and refusing transparency regarding its international student population.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has sparked nationwide debate by halting Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students. While the action is framed as a national security and accountability measure, economists, educators, and lawmakers warn it could severely damage America’s economic interests and international reputation. With nearly 27 per cent of Harvard’s student body is reportedly made up of international students, the implications stretch far beyond one university, potentially impacting billions in revenue, thousands of jobs, and the country’s standing in global education. Trump vs Harvard President Trump has publicly criticised Harvard, accusing the Ivy League institution of harbouring foreign influence and refusing transparency regarding its international student population. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed: “Almost 31 per cent of their students are from foreign lands… yet those countries, some not friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student’s education.” He further questioned why Harvard continues to seek government grants despite having a $53.2 billion endowment, saying: “We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue granting money to you. The action came shortly after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, barred Harvard from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a move that halts its ability to sponsor student visas and threatens the legal status of nearly 6,800 foreign students. Noem accused Harvard of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.” Harvard has pushed back legally, suing the Trump administration, calling the decision “unlawful and unconstitutional.” A federal judge has temporarily blocked the policy, but the long-term outcome remains uncertain. How it could hurt the US economy? International students contributed more than $44 billion to the US economy in the last year, according to National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA). NAFSA is a US-based nonprofit organisation that supports international education and exchange by providing advocacy, training, and resources to professionals in the field. As one of the most popular destinations for foreign students, Harvard alone generated hundreds of millions through tuition, housing, and local consumption. According to reports, each student brings an estimated $29,000 annually, supporting both the university and surrounding economies. According to NAFSA, for every three international students, one US job is created, including roles in education, housing, retail, and healthcare. In the 2023–24 academic year, foreign students supported around 378,000 jobs. Even small towns benefit. For instance, Mankato, Minnesota, with just 45,000 residents, saw $46 million in economic activity generated by international students, sustaining nearly 190 local jobs. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to Harvard, the absence of nearly 7,000 students could reportedly impact real estate markets, local restaurants, bookstores, transportation, and research collaborations. Other institutions fear becoming the next target. Public universities like Arizona State, UC Berkeley, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign attract tens of thousands of foreign students and reportedly generated $1.7 billion combined in local economic benefits. What happens next? While a federal judge has paused Trump’s order, the longer-term outcome remains uncertain. If the crackdown is upheld or spreads to other universities, the US risks losing its top-tier international talent, cutting off a $44 billion economic engine, and damaging its soft power in global education. What started as a political dispute could result in long-term economic and diplomatic costs. As critics ask whether such moves align with the “Make America Great Again” agenda, the country’s ability to retain its status as a global education leader is now under real threat.

US President Donald Trump's administration halts Harvard's international student enrollment, risking economic and reputational harm. &nbsp;

How Trump’s crackdown on Harvard’s foreign students could hit the US economy?

The United States said Monday it would not allow foreign students to remain in the country if all of their classes are moved online in the fall because of the coronavirus crisis.

US to withdraw visas for Int. students whose classes move online