The Government is considering a measure that would require all applicants to undergo a thorough review of their social media posts. This is reported by the media company Politico, which refers to internal government documents.
Prior to such a decision, it has ordered ambassadors and consulates to stop all interviews planned with those who have applied for student visas. The order is signed by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio.
If the decision takes effect, it means that the number of foreign students at American universities may decrease significantly. In addition to reduced foreign student presence, universities in the US will miss out on an important source of income from tuition fees.
Foreign Minister Rubio writes in an internal document that new guidelines are expected in the coming days. Many within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other affected authorities express concerns about how the new rules will be applied – and what is allowed to be written on social media platforms.
The Trump administration claims that the measure is being introduced to stop terrorists from entering the US, and to combat anti-Semitism.
