New York, NY—Today, it was reported that the Trump administration has directed United States embassies to temporarily halt the scheduling of interviews for new student visa applications as they prepare to include social media screenings for these individuals as part of the application requirement.
Student applicants who already have visa interviews scheduled may still proceed with the application process.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“The Trump administration’s latest move to pause new student visa appointments is another reckless and harmful decision–one that will disrupt the lives and futures of thousands of international students, many of whom are already navigating uncertainty due to existing Trump immigration policies. By targeting international students with invasive social media screenings and heightened vetting, the administration is setting a disturbing precedent: that one’s personal thoughts, political views, or social media activity could be weaponized to deny them access to higher education. This opens the door to widespread discrimination based on speech and identity. In New York, the impacts will be felt. Our state is home to hundreds of thousands of international students who bring cultural, intellectual, and economic value to our universities, our communities, and our state. This policy is a deliberate effort to shut the doors to those students and to block any form of dissent. Our state must remain a beacon of opportunity and education, and we must protect the rights, safety, and dignity of all students who call New York home, as well as protect our higher education institutions from unnecessary interference.”