US pauses student visa processing amid plans to up social media vetting

Latest Trump administration move comes amid a wider pressure campaign against top universities, and targeting of students. The administration of United States President Donald Trump is temporarily suspending the processing of visas for foreign students, according to an internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It added that the State Department “plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applications”. The processing pause also comes as Rubio has sought to rescind hundreds of visas for foreign students, citing minor legal infractions or pro-Palestine speech or advocacy. AdvertisementMeanwhile, Harvard University has also said the Trump administration is violating its rights by cutting funding and revoking its ability to enrol foreign students.