The U.S. State Department has paused new visa interviews for international students as the Trump administration moves to expand social media screening, a shift that could weaken the country’s long-standing edge in attracting global talent. The change comes just days after the administration attempted to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, a decision later put on hold by a federal judge.
In a cable dated Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to stop scheduling visa interviews for F, M, and J visa holders — the main categories for international students and exchange visitors — “until further guidance is issued.” The administration has ordered consular officers to comb through applicants’ social media posts and retain any flagged content, even if deleted.
“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting,” the State Department said in a statement, adding that the goal is to ensure applicants “do not pose a security or safety risk to the United States.”
Free Speech and Political Targeting
The changes are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to combat antisemitism and foreign influence on U.S. campuses. But critics argue the government is using national security concerns as a pretext to suppress political dissent and free speech, particularly among students who have voiced support for Palestinian rights.
In recent weeks, the administration has moved to revoke hundreds of visas — many of them student visas and green cards. One high-profile case involved a Turkish Fulbright scholar who was detained after co-writing an essay calling for her university to divest from Israel. A judge later ordered her release.
Who This Affects and When
Most international students apply for their visas just one to two months before their programs begin. That means the May freeze is unlikely to impact the summer surge of visa processing for July and August start dates, unless it stretches into June or beyond.
“May is usually a quieter period for student visa processing, so the immediate impact may be limited,” said Erik Finch, director of Global Operations at Boundless and a former USCIS officer. “But if this pause lasts more than a few weeks, it could affect thousands of students planning to arrive this fall.”
A Threat to U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness
International students do more than fill university seats — they fuel the U.S. economy and drive innovation. During the 2023–2024 academic year, more than one million foreign students contributed nearly $44 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 378,000 jobs, according to NAFSA, a nonprofit association that promotes international education.
Many also go on to work in high-impact fields like science, technology, and medicine. A 2024 report from the National Science Board found that foreign-born professionals make up 19% of all STEM workers in the U.S., and an even greater share — 43% — of scientists and engineers with doctoral degrees. Their presence is especially strong in fields like computer science, engineering, and biomedical research, where advanced training is required and demand remains high.
Beyond academic and research contributions, many international students go on to become founders of major companies. According to a recent report from nonprofit the National Foundation for American Policy, 25% of U.S. billion-dollar startup companies (143 out of 582) were founded by former international students. In total, 174 international students have gone on to become founders or co-founders of these billion-dollar startups. On average, each of these companies has created 860 jobs, reflecting the broader impact of international graduates on the U.S. workforce.
“The global talent pipeline has long been one of America’s greatest strategic advantages,” said Boundless CEO Xiao Wang, whose own parents came to the U.S. to study. “Policies that target international students don’t just damage our reputation, they weaken the very foundation of our economic and technological leadership.”
What International Students Should Do Now
If you’re a current or prospective international student, this pause on visa interviews is concerning, but it’s important to stay informed and proactive.
- Check your embassy or consulate’s website regularly for updates on interview scheduling. Previously booked appointments are not affected.
- Stay in contact with your international student office. They can help with guidance, documentation, and next steps. Many schools offer late arrival support letters that may help if your visa is delayed. Some universities also allow students to defer their enrollment to a later term without penalty.
- Be cautious with social media. The U.S. government is now reviewing applicants’ social media history as part of the vetting process. If you’re unsure what might raise red flags, seek legal advice or speak with your school’s international student office.
- Document everything. Save communications with your school and the embassy in case delays affect your program start date or immigration status.
Boundless is monitoring the policy rollout and will share updates as more details become available.