The State Department has stopped scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the United States while preparing to expand screening for social media activities, officials said.
US officials said Tuesday that the suspension was intended to be temporary and would not apply to applicants who had already planned to have a visa interview. The formula spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internally controlled documents.
The cable, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by the Associated Press, says the State Department will issue guidance on expanded social media reviews.
“In preparation for the expansion of required social media screening and screening, the Consulate section should not add the ability to book student or exchange visitor visas until guidance is issued,” Cable said.
Asked about the suspension at Tuesday’s briefing, State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce said the US is using all the resources available to vet people applying for visas.