US Halts Student Visa Interviews Amidst Social Media Review

The United States government has announced a temporary suspension of all student visa interviews at its embassies worldwide. This decision, reported by Politico, is a response to concerns about national security and is part of a broader review of the student visa program. The White House is considering implementing a new requirement that all applicants undergo a social media background check before their visa applications are processed. This measure is described as temporary, pending the completion of the review and the implementation of the new social media screening process. The impact of this decision will be felt by international students seeking to study in the United States, causing delays and uncertainty in their academic plans. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their concern, stating, "This is very worrying. I have already been accepted to a university and was preparing for my visa interview. Now, everything is uncertain."