Resuming student visa interview appointments, what does the US focus on checking?

(NLDO) - The US is restarting student visa interviews but will significantly tighten social media checks.

According to the content of an internal cable dated June 18 signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to US diplomatic missions, US consular officers are required to "conduct a comprehensive and thorough examination" of all applicants for student and cultural exchange visas to identify those "who harbor hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles."

Previously, on May 27, the Trump administration ordered missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and cultural exchange visa applicants.

The new cable allows consular officers to request applicants to disclose all social media accounts. “Please note that restricting access may be interpreted as an attempt to conceal or circumvent certain activities,” the cable states.

Waiting in line to have visa applications reviewed at the US Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, late May 2025. Photo: NEWS1

According to the cable, all of a candidate's online activity will be checked, not just social media, and officials are encouraged to use any "search engines or other suitable online resources".

"For example, if an applicant is found to have publicly supported Hamas or its activities on social media, that could be grounds for visa refusal," the cable said.

Secretary Rubio has said he has revoked the visas of hundreds, possibly thousands, of people, including students, for engaging in activities he believes run counter to U.S. foreign policy priorities, including support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict.

Critics say the Trump administration has "attacked freedom of speech" protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Additionally, the new directive warns that the number of appointments may have to be reduced due to the need for more thorough vetting. These vetting procedures, according to the telegram, are to be carried out within five working days.

The directive also requires missions to prioritize interviews with foreign physicians participating in medical programs on exchange visas as well as student applicants seeking to study at U.S. universities where international students make up less than 15 percent of the total student body.

At Harvard, the oldest and richest university in the United States, international students will account for about 27% of the total student body in 2024. Harvard has had billions of dollars in aid and funding frozen by the federal government .

Source: https://nld.com.vn/noi-lai-lich-hen-phong-van-thi-thuc-sinh-vien-my-chu-trong-kiem-tra-gi-196250619134524315.htm