As it considers extending social media screening, the Trump team halts interviews for new student visas.

According to a cable acquired by POLITICO, the Trump administration is considering requiring social media vetting for all international applicants seeking to study in the United States. This would be a major extension of earlier initiatives of this kind.

According to the cable, which was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, the government is directing U.S. embassies and consular sections to postpone setting up fresh interviews for such student visa applicants in anticipation of the necessary vetting.

Processing of student visas may be significantly slowed down if the administration implements the proposal. Additionally, it can harm numerous universities that mostly depend on international students to increase their revenue.

The cable says, "With immediate effect, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting." "Separate telegram" is shortened to "Septel" by the State Department.

Returned students who might have taken part in demonstrations against Israel's activities in Gaza were the main target of the administration's previous social media screening regulations.

The cable makes reference to presidential directives intended to prevent terrorists and combat antisemitism, but it does not specifically outline what the future social media vetting would look for.

For months, a number of State Department officials have privately bemoaned the ambiguity of previous rules, such as when it comes to screening students who might have taken part in rallies on campus. For instance, it is unclear if sharing images of a Palestinian flag on an X account may subject a student to further scrutiny.

The administration has targeted institutions, particularly prestigious ones like Harvard, that it believes are too liberal and that permit antisemitism to thrive on their campuses through a number of regulations. Many students have been caught up in its immigration crackdowns at the same time.

A request for comment was not immediately answered by State Department spokespeople. A representative for the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) declined to comment at this time.