Politico: US Suspends Student Visa Interviews Amid Tighter Screening Plans

The administration of President Donald Trump has instructed US embassies and consulates to suspend interviews for student visa applicants, according to Politico, citing a directive from the State Department.

The suspension comes as Washington prepares to introduce stricter screening procedures, including the review of applicants’ social media activity. Politico notes that the measure could significantly impact US universities, many of which rely on international students for both academic and financial sustainability.

Previously, US authorities had monitored social media accounts of students suspected of participating in protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The move coincides with the peak period for university admissions, making the timing particularly disruptive, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The decision also follows escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University. The White House has accused the university of fostering a hostile environment for Jewish students.

In a related development, US officials banned Harvard from enrolling new international students. However, a federal court has since issued a temporary suspension of that ban, pending further legal review.

Kursiv Uzbekistan previously reported that President Trump had demanded Harvard disclose information about its international student population.