The vetting process going forward will include social media screening.
The State Department took a significant step to implement social media vetting for student visa applicants on Tuesday, with State Secretary Marco Rubio directing all U.S. embassies to pause student visa interviews in preparation for the policy change.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [through a separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” Secretary Rubio’s cable stated.
The State Department will reportedly be reviewing the social media accounts of student visa applicants for anti-American sentiment.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio as he seeks to ensure national security and reduce anti-Semitic demonstrations on college campuses.
- For State Department advisors and personnel as they prepare for guidance on screening students’ social media postings.
- For U.S. embassy officials as they await parameters for vetting foreign students for visas.
Sources: Politico, Townhall
