The Trump administration is considering requiring foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media checks. This proposal, detailed in a document reviewed by POLITICO, would significantly expand existing screening measures. American embassies and consulates have been instructed to temporarily halt new appointments for student and exchange visas in preparation for this potential policy change.
Such a measure could delay visa applications, impacting universities that rely financially on international students. The document cites Trump's decisions aimed at combating terrorism and antisemitism, though specifics on what will be scrutinized remain unclear.