New Visa Policy and Its Impact on International Students

a move that has been met with backlash from education and immigration advocates. The new policy, which was announced in May, will require nearly all visa applicants – including students – to submit their social media usernames and five years of previously used email addresses, phone numbers, and travel history. This expanded vetting process aims to strengthen national security and prevent potential threats, but critics argue that it will create unnecessary barriers for international students and discourage them from pursuing education in the U.S. Additionally, the suspension of visa interviews has caused confusion and uncertainty for thousands of students who have been accepted into American universities for the upcoming fall semester. Many fear that this delay will jeopardize their enrollment and ability to start their studies on time. The State Department has not given a specific timeline for when the visa interview scheduling will resume, but assures that it is working to implement the new policy as efficiently as possible. The decision to expand social media vetting and pause visa interviews is just one of many changes made by the Trump administration in an effort to tighten immigration policies. However, it has received criticism for its potential impact on the U.S. education system and its reputation as a welcoming destination for international students. As the situation continues to develop, it is important for foreign students and universities to stay informed and be prepared for potential delays in the visa process."