Over the last few days, the Trump Administration has introduced changes to its student visa policies, prompting concerns within academic and international communities. On May 27, 2025, the US State Department issued a directive by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructing embassies worldwide to pause the scheduling of new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories). This measure is part of a broader review aimed at enhancing the screening and vetting processes for these applicants, including the implementation of expanded social media evaluations. Notably, individuals with already scheduled interviews are not affected by this pause.
Read morePro-Palestinian University Protestor Released from Federal Custody
Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University Philosophy student who was arrested and detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents after attending his naturalization interview in Vermont has been released from federal detention while his immigration case proceeds. He had been under ICE custody since April 14, 2025.
Read moreDHS To Monitor Noncitizens’ Social Media for Antisemitism
On April 9, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it will begin to screen noncitizens’ social media posts for evidence of antisemitic activity and use the content as grounds for denying immigration benefits requests. The policy, which will go in effect immediately, will affect foreign nationals applying for permanent resident status, foreign students, and foreign nationals “affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.”
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