We’re going to be taking a look at you: US warns of more durable scholar visa checks

The US State Department on Tuesday confirmed that the visa screening course of for international college students could quickly get considerably more durable, with a powerful give attention to social media exercise. This comes amid rising issues from the Trump administration about safety and ideological vetting.

Addressing reporters at a State Department briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce underlined that the US is taking the vetting of all visa candidates very critically. “Whether you’re a student or a tourist who needs a visa, or whoever you are, we’re going to be looking at you,” Bruce mentioned. “Why would it seem to be such a controversial thing? But it shouldn’t be.”

Her feedback observe reviews, first revealed by Politico, that the Donald Trump administration is weighing stricter background checks for student visa applicants — together with a proposal to look at their social media profiles. A diplomatic cable revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered US embassies and consulates to halt new interview appointments for scholar visa candidates, pending revised pointers.

Defending the transfer, Bruce described it as essential even when it seems burdensome. “We know that some of these steps might come off as counterproductive,” she mentioned, “but it is a goal, as stated by President Trump and Secretary Rubio, to make sure that people who are here understand what the law is, that they don’t have any criminal intent, and that they are going to be contributors to the experience here.”

The State Department declined to reveal the particular instruments or strategies for use for screening, citing safety issues. “We’re not going to lay out here with the media the nature of the steps that are taken, the methods that we use,” Bruce added, noting that discretion is essential to making sure their effectiveness.

Critics have warned that such insurance policies could deter real college students and reinforce perceptions of the US as more and more unwelcoming, significantly for candidates from sure nations. The administration, nonetheless, maintains that the tighter guidelines are important to nationwide safety.

Earlier within the day, the State Department halted scheduling new visa interviews for international college students hoping to check within the US whereas it ready to develop the screening of their social media exercise.

A US official mentioned the suspension is meant to be short-term and doesn’t apply to candidates who had beforehand scheduled interviews. The official spoke on situation of anonymity to debate an inside administration doc. A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press says the State Department plans to problem expanded social media vetting steerage.

“Effective instantly, in preparation for an enlargement of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections shouldn’t add any further scholar or change customer visa appointment capability” till the steerage is issued.

Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s means to enroll worldwide college students, eradicating it from the programme that permits colleges to sponsor international college students for visas. The college rapidly challenged in court docket and blocked by a federal decide.

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