The United States has temporarily suspended the scheduling of new student visa interviews at its embassies and consulates worldwide as it prepares to implement stricter social media screening for foreign applicants.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NBBSPIDEL.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
In a diplomatic cable dispatched on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. missions globally to halt all new appointment bookings for F, M, and J category visas — which cover international students and exchange visitors — pending further guidance from Washington.
“Effective immediately… consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” the directive read.
This development marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration policies, particularly in response to what it claims are growing national security threats and politically motivated disruptions on U.S. campuses.
While already scheduled interviews will still proceed as planned, embassies and visa applicants are now left in a state of uncertainty, awaiting further updates on when new appointments may resume.
The decision comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny of international students. In March, Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was briefly detained after co-authoring a pro-Palestinian op-ed. Though released on bail, the case highlighted a growing readiness by U.S. authorities to investigate foreign students’ political activity.
Secretary Rubio underscored the administration’s position in a press briefing:
“If you apply for a visa to be a student… and you tell us your goal is not just education but activism that disrupts campuses, we’re not going to give you a visa.”
The new policy coincides with a broader federal crackdown on elite academic institutions. Just days ago, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved to block Harvard University from enrolling new international students — a controversial decision that was later overturned by a federal judge.
Tensions between the White House and Harvard continue to escalate. President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke federal contracts with the university, which are valued at over $100 million, and redirect billions in research funding from top-tier schools.
In a related move, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancellation of two federal grants totaling $2.7 million to Harvard, citing the school’s alleged mishandling of campus protests and antisemitism concerns. Secretary Noem argued that with an endowment exceeding $53 billion, Harvard should not depend on taxpayer funding.
“If Harvard cannot control its campus and comply with federal oversight, it cannot expect to benefit from federal funding,” Noem said.
The DHS also warned that Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) could be revoked if the institution fails to provide full disclosures on international students involved in alleged illegal or violent acts.
While the administration remains firm on its stance, some voices from the business and academic communities are urging moderation. Kevin O’Leary, a Harvard Business School lecturer and investor, called for a more pragmatic approach.
“These students are extraordinary. Why don’t we vet them properly, clear them, and let them stay here to build companies and create jobs?” O’Leary said in an interview with Fox Business.
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
