State Department gears up to increase social media screening for student visas

The State Department is taking steps to enhance its screening process for international student and exchange visitor visas by implementing stricter social media checks. This move is aimed at ensuring that applicants do not pose a national security threat to the United States. As part of this effort, the State Department has temporarily suspended new visa interviews while it evaluates the enhanced screening procedures.

The initiative is part of a broader crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, particularly targeting individuals attending academic institutions in the U.S. Those who have publicly supported Palestine have faced increased scrutiny, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the administration is reviewing the visa status of students who participated in pro-Palestine protests. The administration has accused these students of supporting Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

In a recent email obtained by Fox News Digital, the State Department announced that it is reviewing its existing operations for screening and vetting student visa applications. Based on this review, the department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all applicants. Consular sections have been instructed to pause adding new visa appointment capacity in preparation for the expanded screening process.

The email does not specify the exact steps involved in the enhanced social media screening, but it mentions that certain applicants will be referred to the Fraud Prevention Unit for a mandatory check. The State Department has not provided details on its current social media policy for visa applicants.

Meanwhile, Senator Rubio has indicated that thousands of visas have been revoked since President Trump took office in January. He emphasized that holding a visa is a privilege, not a right, and that the State Department will continue to revoke visas for individuals disrupting higher education facilities.

Democrats have criticized the administration’s visa revocation efforts, calling them a violation of due process. Senator Jeff Merkley argued that revoking visas without due process undermines individual freedom and liberty.

A student visa allows individuals from other countries to study in the U.S. for a specific period, while a green card permits non-citizens already in the U.S. to stay in the country. The State Department’s actions align with executive orders signed by President Trump to protect the U.S. from national security threats and combat anti-Semitism.

Overall, the State Department’s efforts to strengthen visa screening procedures reflect the administration’s commitment to safeguarding national security and combating potential threats. The enhanced social media checks are part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety and security of the United States.