The State Department is resuming the processing of visa applications for students and visiting scholars, implementing a screening process focused on identifying any perceived "hostility" toward the United States.
As part of this initiative, the State Department announced that it will review the social media accounts of foreign applicants for student and visiting scholar visas, requiring them to make these accounts public for assessment. This review will apply to all applications for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, which are designated for scholarly exchanges and research.
Consular officers are instructed to look for signs of hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, and founding principles, although the State Department did not clarify how this hostility will be defined.
The guidelines come after a nearly month-long suspension of visa processing for students and scholars. This policy shift is perceived as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to influence the ideological landscape of American universities, with some aides advocating for a more conservative environment.
The vague criteria for screening may create uncertainty for both American universities and international students and scholars wishing to enter the United States. Critics argue that the review process could suppress free speech and encourage self-censorship among foreign nationals.
Foreign students contribute significantly to U.S. universities, often paying full tuition, which is vital for institutional revenue. In 2023, over 1.3 million degrees were awarded to foreign students in the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Visiting professors from abroad, who are also impacted by the new restrictions, play crucial roles in teaching and research within American academic institutions.
A State Department spokesperson indicated in mid-March that “all available technology” is being utilized to screen visa applicants and holders. This response followed inquiries regarding the potential use of artificial intelligence to identify individuals deemed ineligible for visas.
Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a political litmus test being applied to students, which has not been seen before, according to the vice president of the American Council on Education.
On March 25, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed consular officers to closely examine the social media content of certain visa applicants. Subsequently, on May 27, he ordered a suspension of interviews for student and visiting scholar visas until new guidelines were established.
Rubio has also indicated intentions to scrutinize visas held by Chinese students, aiming to revoke those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. Details on this initiative remain sparse.
In a related effort, the Trump administration attempted to halt foreign student enrollment at Harvard University, pausing visa processing for foreign students and scholars associated with the institution. However, processing resumed following a judicial intervention against the ban.
Recently, Rubio has discussed canceling various student visas and revoking permanent residency status for foreign nationals, often in response to tensions surrounding protests related to the conflict in Gaza.
In late March, Rubio reported revoking over 300 visas, predominantly affecting students, and has continued this practice. Notably, he stripped permanent residency from Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and activist, citing concerns over his alleged undermining of U.S. foreign policy.
Some individuals facing visa revocation have initiated legal actions against the government, leading to temporary restraining orders on federal actions.