The Trump administration has directed US embassies and consulates to stop scheduling new visa appointments for foreign students and exchange visitors. This step comes as the State Department prepares to expand social media screening for these applicants, according to news agency Reuters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the department would issue updated rules on social media vetting once a review is complete and advised consular offices to pause new visa scheduling until then.
A US official told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the suspension is intended to be temporary and does not affect applicants who already have scheduled visa interviews. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal government communication.