The United States Department of State has announced new regulations for student visa applicants, requiring them to publicly share their social media profiles as part of the application process. According to the State Department, this measure is intended to ensure that visitors do not pose a threat to national security. The updated procedures apply to F, M, and J visa categories, which cover academic, vocational, and exchange programs, respectively. The changes expand the vetting process, instructing applicants to adjust their privacy settings to make their social media profiles publicly accessible.
The new requirements were implemented in the wake of a pilot program at Harvard University, where several international students were denied entry after their online activity was flagged. The administration also ordered consulates to pause new student and exchange visa appointments last month while finalizing these updated procedures. A cable from Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed consulates not to increase appointment capacity without further guidance. Additionally, the policy includes a directive for diplomats to examine online activity for signs of hostility toward Americans, support for terrorist groups, or anti-Semitic violence, using tools like public records and databases such as LexisNexis.
President Donald Trump’s administration has been actively promoting policies aimed at curbing what it describes as anti-Israel protests and opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on campuses. The new visa policy is seen as part of a broader effort to enhance national security by scrutinizing the online presence of foreign students. Harvard University has criticized these measures as unlawful and politically motivated, stating they harm its academic mission and global reputation.
The new visa policy follows a pilot screening effort at Harvard University, where several foreign students were denied entry after officials flagged their online content. The administration later revoked the school’s authorization to enroll international applicants, accusing it of failing to act against campus extremism and rejecting federal oversight. Harvard has denounced the measures as unlawful and politically retaliatory, claiming they do serious harm to its academic mission and global reputation.
Since returning to office, Trump has called on universities to shut down anti-Israel protests, which he described as anti-Semitic, and to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The new measures are seen as part of a broader effort to curb what the administration views as radical or extremist activities on US campuses. The policy also includes a directive for diplomats to examine online activity for signs of hostility toward Americans, support for terrorist groups, or anti-Semitic violence, using tools such as public records and databases like LexisNexis.
As a result of the new screening procedures, universities and educational institutions may face increased administrative burdens in managing student visa applications. The policy is expected to have significant implications for international students and academic institutions, potentially affecting the flow of foreign talent and the global reputation of US higher education. Critics argue that the measures could be seen as an overreach of federal authority and may disproportionately impact certain groups, raising concerns about the balance between national security and academic freedom.