The State Department is preparing to expand its social media vetting of international student and exchange visitor visa applicants in an effort to identify potential national security risks, The News Focus has learned.
As part of the review, the department has temporarily suspended new student and exchange visitor visa interviews while it evaluates enhanced screening measures. The move is the latest initiative under the Trump administration to tighten immigration oversight and revoke visas from individuals deemed security threats.
Scrutiny on Protest Ties
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in May that the administration was reviewing the visa status of students who participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations, arguing that some displayed support for Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist group. The administration has already pulled thousands of visas since January, up from about 300 revoked earlier in the year.
“A visa is not a right, it’s a privilege,” Rubio told lawmakers. “We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities.”
Expanded Vetting in Progress
An internal email obtained by The News Focus shows that consular sections worldwide have been instructed to pause adding new visa appointment slots “in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting.”
“Appointments already scheduled can proceed under current guidelines,” the email stated. “However, appointments that are available but not yet taken should be immediately removed from availability.”
The guidance instructs posts to prepare for more rigorous checks, including mandatory reviews by the Fraud Prevention Unit. While specific steps have not been disclosed, the expanded process will focus heavily on applicants’ online activity.
Debate Over Due Process
Democrats have criticized the administration’s actions, calling them an overreach. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said revoking visas without fair hearings undermines constitutional protections.
“Due process is the guardian of the gate to keep a government from taking away people’s life or liberty,” Merkley argued. “Liberty is what happens when you take away a visa without due process.”
The State Department has not yet provided details on when the new guidance will be fully implemented or what the expanded screenings will entail.
