In a major announcement the US State Department announced on October 19, 2023, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suspended scheduling new student visa interviews worldwide. The reason for this unexpected decision is part of the US effort to strengthen national security and will allow for more social media vetting of visa applicants. Rubio’s announcement also indicated that the US would implement stricter screens, which could cause problems for the thousands of Indian students planning to come to America for their studies.
Why the US Move
India is the second largest source of international students for the US, with more than 200,000 students taking their place in American colleges and universities by 2024. India sent over 268,000 students to the US last year and the number is anticipated to grow. The move by the US government to stop new student visa interviews is a related part of their total effort to deter individuals with extremist connections from entering the US. Secretary Rubio noted that the measures are meant to identify individuals that could promote or participate in “terrorist activity or behaviour against the United States on social media”.
Social Media Screening
The new policy involves detailed reviews of applicants’ social media profiles. Consular officers will scrutinize online activity for any signs of support for terrorist groups or hostility towards US values. Screenshots of any “potentially derogatory” content will be preserved and stored in the case files, even if the posts are later deleted. This means applicants need to be cautious about their online presence, as evidence of extremist support or anti-US sentiments could lead to visa denial.
Implications for Indian Students
While at this point in time external visa appointments will still be booked, new interviews will not be booked until further notice. International students who are planning to begin their studies in 2025 may be facing delays that could impact their admissions and visa processing time. The uncertainty could also affect students financially when considering tuition fees and accommodation.
What Students Should Do
Students are encouraged to stay abreast of developments from official US embassy communication channels and your universities, to be prepared for potential delays, to keep their social media accounts visible, and to have their backup plans ready. The following quote will likely apply to students in 2025 according to Rubio, “We are not going to give you a visa if you engage in, or support activity, that undermines the security of the United States.”
This move comes after the Trump administration’s efforts to bar Harvard from enrolling international students and to potentially withdraw all federal funding to the university.
Indian students and their family representatives, need to stay informed and act on opportunities when possible as new legislation develops, amid this swiftly changing landscape.
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
