Trump Orders U.S. Embassies to Demand Public Access to Student Visa Applicants’ Social Media

In a move signaling tighter immigration controls, the Trump administration has directed U.S. embassies worldwide to require international student visa applicants to make their social media accounts public as part of the screening process. The policy, aimed at identifying anti-U.S. sentiments, was outlined in a diplomatic cable sent Wednesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by *The Washington Post*.

This directive comes as the administration resumes student visa interviews following a temporary suspension. Secretary Rubio had halted interviews last month, citing concerns over universities allegedly fostering antisemitism and posing national security risks. At the time, he announced that new screening measures were being developed to ensure stricter oversight of incoming students.

Under the new guidelines, U.S. embassy officials will examine applicants’ online activity for any content deemed critical of the United States before approving visas. The administration has framed the measure as part of President Trump’s broader strategy to curb immigration and prevent the entry of individuals perceived to hold anti-American or anti-Israel views, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza.