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Original Date Announced
March 25, 2025Reporter Ken Klippenstein published a leaked DOS directive on “Enhanced Screening and Social Media Vetting for Visa Applicants.” The directive instructs consular officers to conduct a “social media review” of new or returning F, M, and J student visa applicants to look for evidence of inadmissibility under the terrorism-related grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Such evidence includes “advocating for, sympathizing with, or persuading others to endorse or espouse terrorist activities or support” a terrorist organization.
Though the directive does not explicitly define what counts as advocacy, it mentions “conduct that bears a hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles).” Specific reference is made to students participating “in pro-Hamas events.”
The directive instructs consular officers to consider and deny such cases under INA sections 214(b), 212(a), and 221(g). If information becomes available after visa issuance that an individual may no longer be eligible for a visa, officers are directed to follow procedures to revoke it or request prudential revocation.
Trump 2.0 [ID #1657]
2025.03.25 DOS Directive on Enhanced Screening and Social Media Vetting for Visa ApplicantsEffective Date
March 25, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)
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May 27, 2025
2025.05.27 Reported: Trump team pauses new student visa interviews as it weighs expanding social media vetting - Politico
Politico reports that Secretary of State Rubio ordered U.S. embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants in preparation for expanded social-media screening.
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Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Reported Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: StudentAgencies Affected: DOSAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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