Visa update: US cracks down on student applicants with new rules

The United States will restart student visa processing – but with a controversial twist.

International students must now make their social media profiles public to qualify for a U.S. visa.

A senior U.S. State Department official made the announcement Wednesday, calling it a “security necessity.”

The move affects F, M, and J visa applicants – those seeking to study or participate in exchange programs in the U.S.

“All applicants must change privacy settings to ‘public’ across all social platforms,” the official stated.

The directive follows a temporary freeze in visa processing announced on May 27.

Officials paused the system to revise and expand social media screening procedures.

Visa appointment bookings will now resume — but under intense scrutiny.

Consular officers will perform “comprehensive vetting” of every applicant’s online presence.

The policy stems from the Trump administration’s new security framework.

Authorities claim posts showing support for Palestine or criticism of Israel could signal “sympathies with terrorist groups.”

Expressions viewed as supportive of Hamas, for instance, could lead to visa denial — or even deportation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this is “about protecting U.S. interests and identifying hidden threats.”

However, critics say the policy violates free speech rights protected under the U.S. Constitution.

“Targeting political views online is a blatant First Amendment violation,” said a civil rights advocate.

Legal experts warn it may set a dangerous precedent for digital censorship and surveillance.

International students now face a tough choice: privacy or a U.S. education.

Observers fear many applicants may withdraw or seek education in friendlier countries.

“It’s intimidation disguised as security,” said one immigration attorney.

Student advocacy groups are urging the Biden administration to reverse the policy.

For now, the rule stands — and it’s already sparking global backlash.

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