The US government has halted the scheduling of new interviews for international student visa applications as it scrutinises applicants’ social media presence more closely.
The command was given by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a cable addressed to embassies throughout the world on Tuesday, according to Politico.
Although this is only temporary, no new candidates will be able to schedule an interview, which is a necessary stage in the student visa process.
Mr Rubio, however, ordered that interviews that have already been scheduled can proceed.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” Mr Rubio said in the cable.
He stated that the guidance on social media vetting is expected in the coming days.
Thousands of Nigerian students study in American universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with more seeking to join them.
The latest action is part of the US government’s efforts to control foreign students’ entry to American schools over claims they have contributed to an atmosphere that promotes antisemitism.
The Trump administration is actively urging US institutions to revise their race-conscious admissions processes.
Last Monday, the government removed Harvard University’s authority to register overseas students by cancelling the Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.
