Jerry Jackson The US government has temporarily paused all new student visa appointments at American embassies and consulates around the world. This order, issued through an internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directs officials to stop offering interview slots to applicants for both student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas. The decision, which came into effect shortly after Memorial Day weekend, affects students planning to study in the US starting this fall or beyond.
The reason for the pause is tied to an upcoming expansion in social media and background checks. Rubio stated that new screening instructions are currently being developed but have not been finalized yet. Until then, the visa process will remain on hold for new applicants. The State Department has not announced a specific date for when the appointments might resume.
Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the pause but gave few details. She said that federal authorities are “committed to using every available tool” to vet individuals entering the US. The Department will continue screening all categories of visitors, including students, through existing and updated security measures.
One of the main concerns behind the visa halt appears to be related to recent pro-Palestinian activism on US campuses. Officials have warned that students or visa holders who express support for Palestinians or criticize Israel’s military actions in Gaza may be flagged as national security risks. Some may even face deportation. The government argues that individuals sharing such views could be aligned with groups that threaten American interests, including Hamas, which is officially designated as a terrorist organization by the US.
This approach has triggered criticism from civil rights organizations and legal experts. They argue that deporting individuals over political speech violates core First Amendment protections, which guarantee freedom of expression. Critics claim the policy sets a dangerous precedent by punishing international students for their opinions and could discourage future applicants from pursuing education in the US.
One widely discussed case involves a Turkish student enrolled at Tufts University in Massachusetts. After publishing an opinion article critical of her school’s response to the Gaza conflict, she was detained by US immigration authorities. She spent over six weeks in custody before facing deportation proceedings. Her case sparked protests on campus and drew international attention.
Harvard University, one of the most prestigious schools in the country, has also come under fire. In a separate move, the Trump administration recently blocked Harvard from admitting new international students. Officials cited the university’s refusal to comply with certain federal guidelines, though specific details remain unclear. International students currently make up around 27% of Harvard’s student body and contribute significantly to its academic programs and financial sustainability.
Harvard has pushed back against what it calls federal overreach. University leaders have defended the right to academic freedom and pledged to protect their students. They argue that institutions of higher learning must remain spaces for open discussion, even on controversial global issues.
Across the country, legal groups and education advocates are preparing to challenge the new policies in court. They warn that these actions could undermine the US higher education system’s global reputation and drive talented students to choose other countries for their studies. Universities in Canada, the UK, and Australia have already reported increased interest from international applicants due to growing concerns about the US.
For now, international students planning to study in the US face growing uncertainty. Without access to visa interviews, many may not arrive in time for the upcoming academic year. Others who are already in the country risk losing their status or being targeted over their speech or social media activity.