Trump Halts New Student Visa Appointments Globally as Social Media Vetting Expands

May 28, 2025 – Planning to study abroad? Well, what’s the status of your social media handles? Under a new directive from the Trump administration, new student visa applicants worldwide now face heightened scrutiny not just through embassy interviews, but via expanded social media vetting that could determine whether they’re allowed into the U.S. Tensions are escalating between the Trump administration and U.S. universities as the Trump administration halts new student visa appointments and plans stricter social media vetting, citing national security concerns. The move is part of a wider crackdown on elite U.S. universities over alleged tolerance of antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests. However, China has condemned the policy, calling for the protection of international students, while U.S. universities warn it threatens vital funding and academic freedom. Trump has frozen billions in university funding, including $2.65 billion for Harvard University, drawing criticism that the policy infringes on free speech. Some measures have been blocked by courts, while others await further action.