The temporary suspension is part of the department’s efforts to enhance the social media screening and review process for foreign students.
WASHINGTON – The US State Department confirmed during the Epoch era that it ordered US embassies around the world to suspend student visa interviews on May 27th.
The temporary suspension outlined in the internal cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is part of the department’s efforts to strengthen the review process, particularly in relation to social media screening.
The internal cable will instruct the consul section not to add reservation slots to student and exchange visitor visas (F, M and J categories) “until further guidance is issued” in the coming days.
The senior official confirmed the credibility of internal communications leaked to the media on the morning of May 27th.
During a press conference that same day, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce highlighted the department’s commitment to screening visa applications without directly commenting on leaked cables.
“We are very seriously taking the process of judging who will come to that country,” she told reporters.
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When asked what had changed in the review system, Bruce refused to reveal details of the method used.
“We are not going to lay out the media here, the nature of the steps taken, the way we use,” she said.
“We’ve always looked at people who are trying to participate. We’ve always looked at visas seriously,” she said.
“Whether they’re students, you’re tourists who require a visa, whoever you are, we’ll see you.”
Bruce also refused to say whether the suspension would delay the arrival of foreign students in the fall semester. “We can’t talk about what personal experiences will be.”
Rubio added that the “overwhelming student visa” would not be revoked, highlighting that most international students are not involved in organizations that either harm the United States or intend to oppose government and lifestyles.
“I think it’s crazy to continue to provide visas so that people can come here and defend the direct contradictions of our national interests.”
The administration has already cancelled around $2.6 billion in federal grants after universities were rejected on a list of government requests to change policies that change policies regarding diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and anti-Semitism. The university sued the administration and argued that the move violated the constitutional protection of free speech.
“Harvard is very slow to present these documents, perhaps for good reason!
Jackson Richman and Aaron Gifford contributed to this report.
