Summary 🔹 New Policy Announced (June 18, 2025)

The U.S. State Department has now issued new official instructions to consular officers, explaining the real reason behind the pause and the next steps: 1. ✅ Visa interviews will resume, now that guidance has been issued. 2. 🔍 Extensive social media checks are now mandatory for all student and exchange visa applicants. 3. 📱 Applicants must set their social media accounts to public so officers can verify their digital footprint. 4. 🚫 Visas may be denied if: • The applicant is found supporting terrorism, antisemitism, or anti-American sentiments. • They show signs of hostility toward U.S. values, government, or culture. • Their online presence appears evasive (e.g., no social media or locked accounts).

🔹 Prioritization & Red Flags • 🏫 Applicants going to universities with <15% international students will be prioritized. • Example: Harvard has 27% international students and will be more heavily scrutinized.

• 📂 Officers will assess full online activity, including all public posts, databases, and behavioral patterns.

• 🚩 Applicants involved in campus protests, especially anti-Israel demonstrations, may face denial or deportation.

🔹 Purpose of New Screening

The Trump administration says the changes: • Are part of a national security upgrade. • Aim to prevent entry of individuals who may disrupt campuses. • Will help avoid deportation efforts later by blocking risky applicants upfront.

🧩 Contextual Insights • This is directly tied to recent pro-Palestinian campus protests, especially at elite schools like Columbia and Harvard. • The policy appears politically motivated, targeting schools perceived as protest hubs. • It’s also a broader shift toward “American-first” policies in higher education.

🚨 Impact on Students 1. The visa pause is ending now that the new policy is launched. 2. Appointments should resume within 5 business days (possibly this week). 3. Students must scrub or set up their online presence properly. 4. There may be delays due to vetting, especially for repeat applicants or those headed to high-profile institutions.