Imagine months spent preparing and taking tests, signing papers and even dreaming about studying in the United States, only to have learned of new student visa interviews that have been indefinitely pushed back. This was an unanticipated move, and foreign students are already anxious about their futures here.
Overview
The US government put a temporary freeze on new student visa interview bookings, impacting international students. The quick decision was ignited by new regulations that tighten social media checks on foreign students. So most of their would-be scholars aren’t sure if their social life on social media could impact their ability to study in America.
Government instruction and follow-up
The guidance, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directed US consulates and embassies to cease interview appointments for scheduling until additional details are revealed to the public, however, will proceed as usual. As much as officials anticipate additional information in the near future, students who have not scheduled their appointments shall wait for additional information.
Fears of Activism, National Security, and Campus Disruptions
Rubio has already raised grievances that certain students travel to America not only to study but also to organize protests, demonstrations, or activist rallies. He cited certain instances where individuals, such as a Tufts University Ph.D. candidate, engaged in politically inflammatory forums. Because of this, stricter screening processes are being advocated to determine the students who might take part in campus revolts or disturbances.
Harvard College Federal Financing Threats and Controversy
This halt on visas came in the wake of a controversy involving Harvard University. The university was to be banned from enrolling foreign students, but a federal court blocked the Department of Homeland Security. The government even threatened to withhold large sums of federal funds from Harvard and questioned how future policy changes would impact foreign students at prestigious universities.
Academics Protest and Call for Moderated Screening
Despite its tough stance, the government says that foreign students contribute a lot to scholarship, research, and growth of the economy. Harvard Business School lecturer believes that instead of instituting draconian bans, the government should do appropriate background checks, decide who merits certification, and work to keep them here in the US to start companies, create jobs, and add value to the American ecosystem.
As of now, the world over, international students are hanging in suspense as to whether or not the visa freeze will be lifted, or if this was just a sign of tougher times ahead.