Trump Freezes Student Visa Applications Ahead Of Introduction Of Social Media Vetting

The Trump administration has ordered US embassies around the world, including Malta, to pause all student visa interviews as it gears up for tougher social media screening on foreign applicants.

According to Politico embassies this week received a notice that, no new interview slots for student or exchange visas (F, M, J) should be added until further notice. The move is part of a broader review aimed at expanding social media vetting to all applicants, not just those flagged for activism.

So what does this mean? Delays, uncertainty and potential headaches for international students, especially as US universities gear up for their next intake.

The freeze follows months of increased scrutiny on students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, where visa applicants were already subject to mandatory reviews of their social media. The next phase could see every post, like or comment come under the microscope.

We reached out to the US Embassy in Malta for comment and are still waiting for a response.

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