In a sweeping shift in immigration policy, the United States has temporarily halted all new student visa interviews across the globe. The move, announced by the State Department, comes amid heightened concerns over national security and foreign influence on college campuses.

Alongside the interview freeze, US officials are reportedly expanding their scrutiny of international students’ social media activity. Public posts, likes, and affiliations across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok may now be examined as part of the visa approval process.

A spokesperson for the State Department indicated that the suspension is “temporary” and aimed at improving the vetting process. Existing visa appointments will continue as scheduled, but no new interviews are being scheduled for the foreseeable future.

This change could impact over a million international students planning to study in the US, particularly those from politically sensitive regions. Critics have raised concerns that the policy could discourage academic exchange and infringe on free speech rights.

Universities across the country are bracing for a possible decline in international enrollment, and legal experts anticipate challenges on constitutional grounds.

The government has not disclosed a specific timeline for resuming interviews or provided details on how social media content will be evaluated.