In a sweeping shift with potentially far-reaching consequences for American higher education, the Trump administration has now reportedly ordered a halt to all new student visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, raising alarms among university leaders and international education advocates.
The decision, directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suspends the processing of new F, M, and J visa applications—visas commonly granted to international students and academic exchange visitors.
The freeze, administration officials say, is intended to allow time for the implementation of enhanced vetting procedures, including broader social media background checks.
The move comes amid a broader effort to intensify scrutiny of foreign students, particularly those from countries the administration views as strategic or ideological threats.
According to multiple sources familiar with internal discussions, the State Department has been canceling existing student visas, sometimes without warning, leaving students stranded in the United States or barred from reentering.
Elite universities, many of which have become increasingly dependent on international enrollment for both academic vitality and tuition revenue, are expressing concern over the sudden policy shift.
Foreign students contributed an estimated $44 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, and officials at leading institutions warn that the disruption could discourage future applicants, harm research programs, and erode the global reputation of American universities.
One of the most prominent clashes has centered on Harvard University.
The administration temporarily revoked the university’s certification to host international students, citing concerns over campus unrest and what officials described as ideological radicalism.
Harvard responded with a federal lawsuit, prompting a judge to issue an injunction that has, for now, blocked the revocation.
In addition to visa suspensions, several universities have reportedly received warnings from federal agencies suggesting they could face audits, loss of funding, or revocation of tax-exempt status if they are found to be “harboring or promoting ideological subversion.”
University leaders have condemned the administration’s actions as politically motivated and a threat to academic freedom.
Critics argue that the freeze is part of a broader attempt to reshape the U.S. immigration system in ways that serve partisan goals, particularly by targeting institutions seen as bastions of liberal thought.
Many warn the measures could drive students to countries with more open policies, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia.
The administration has not indicated when or if student visa interviews will resume. As colleges prepare for the coming academic year, they are left navigating deep uncertainty about whether the international students they have admitted will be allowed to enter the country.
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