U.S. halts student visa appointments and plans expanded social media vetting | 28 May 2025 | U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has ordered U.S. embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. An official memo said social media vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign exchange visas, which would have "significant implications" for embassies and consulates. It comes during a wide-ranging Trump crackdown on some of America's most elite universities. He sees these institutions as too left-wing, accusing them of failing to combat antisemitism when pro-Palestinian protests have unfolded on campuses. Responding to the move, China called on the U.S. to protect international students.