The US government has suspended the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applicants worldwide as it considers strict vetting of applicants’ social media profiles.
The directive was issued by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a cable sent out to diplomats worldwide on Tuesday, according to Politico.
This means that US embassies in Nigeria and many other countries will stop setting up new interview appointments for people who want to apply for student visas, such as the F-1 visa.
Although this is only temporary, during this period, no new applicants will be able to schedule an interview, which is a required step in the student visa process.
Mr Rubio, however, ordered that interviews that have already been scheduled can proceed.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” Mr Rubio said in the cable.
He stated that the guidance on social media vetting is expected in the coming days.
Thousands of Nigerian students study in American universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with more seeking to join them.
The latest action is part of the US government’s efforts to control foreign students’ entry to American schools over claims they have contributed to an atmosphere that promotes antisemitism.
The Trump administration is currently pressuring US universities to change their race-conscious admission policies.
Last week, the administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students by revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.
The Department of Homeland Security attributed this to the university’s refusal to comply with its requests for the behavioural records of student visa holders.
It had earlier frozen $2.3 billion in federal funds to the university.
The administration has also revoked the visas of hundreds of foreign students.
A lot of aspiring international students seem to be anxious over the suspension and are at a loss for what to do.
However, Archibong Law Firm located in Silver Spring, Maryland has been answering questions and offering Consultations to anyone applying for a Student Visa in the US.
Contact can be made with the law firm on www.archibonglaw.com and via email Mendiearchibong@yahoo.com
