Original Date Announced

Reporter 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]

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

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.

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.06.18 DOS - Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants

DOS released a media note stating that consular offices will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications “soon.” As part of the review process, DOS will “conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.” Applicants will be instructed to set their social media accounts to “public” for the review.

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.06.18 DOS 25 STATE 59756 - Expanding Screening and Vetting for FMJ Applicants

DOS issued a cable directive to consular officers regarding the renewed screening process. The cable instructs consular officers to review F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States.” It also directs embassies to flag any applicants who “advocate for, aid or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security; or who perpetrate unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.”