Higher education in America has been plunged into chaos following President Donald Trump‘s order for all US embassies to stall student visa applications – so what does that mean if you are applying for one?
Although details on the new order are ever-changing, foreign students should take these steps to help them through the process following Tuesday’s major announcement.
Those who already have a student visa appointment have been urged to keep it as the halt only applies to new interviews for applicants, according to a cable obtained by Politico.
People should also stay up to date with their specific embassy following the halt – as cancellations could start happening soon.
To do that, users can monitor their local embassy website, checking the visa section for appointment details and updates.
General delays should also be expected as many have been affected by the announcement.
Foreign students should also take a close look at their social media accounts as the administration said they are preparing ‘for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting.’
Those affected should also work to coordinate with their American institution for updates on their end, especially if you are still waiting for an appointment.
Higher education in America has been plunged into chaos following President Donald Trump ‘s order for all US embassies to stall student visa applications
Those who already have a student visa appointment have been urged to keep it as the halt only applies to new interviews for applicants. (Pictured: 2023 image of Harvard University campus)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed officials to stop scheduling appointments with student visa applicants as they prepare to implement a social media vetting process, according to the directive.
‘Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,’ the cable states.
The Institute of International Education Open Doors data report found that in the 2023-2024 academic year, the United States hosted a record-breaking 1.1 million international students.
These students generated $43.8 billion through tuition, housing and living expenses, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Donald Trump has waged war on elite universities, accusing them of antisemitism and blasting their ‘woke’ ideology.
Harvard has borne the brunt of Trump’s fire but is also fighting back just as hard and has sued the administration.
The Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday its revocation of Harvard’s ability to host and enroll students from other countries.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem published a letter she sent to the Ivy League university last week instructing the thousands of current students to either transfer to other schools or leave the country.
Trump has demanded to know all of the names and countries of origin of all nearly 7,000 foreign-born students attending Harvard University.
The president said it was unacceptable that 31 percent of the students who attend the famous Ivy League school are ‘from foreign lands.’
Harvard filed on Friday a lawsuit against the Trump administration for revoking its right to host foreign students.
The school said in a court filing Trump’s action will have an ‘immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.’
‘With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission,’ Harvard wrote. ‘Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.’
