Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories It comes after Marco Rubio rescinded hundreds of visas and the Trump administration moved to bar Harvard University from admitting any non-Americans.Alamy Stock Photo United States US suspends student visa processing as Trump administration ramps up social media vetting An internal cable said the US State Department “plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applications”. 11.06pm, 27 May 2025 Share options US SECRETARY OF State Marco Rubio has ordered a suspension of student visa processing as Donald Trump’s administration ramps up vetting of their social media, according to an internal cable. It is the latest move that takes aim at international students, a major source of revenue for US universities, after Rubio rescinded hundreds of visas and the Trump administration moved to bar Harvard University from admitting any non-Americans. A cable signed by Rubio and seen by AFP orders embassies and consulates not to allow “any additional student or exchange visa… appointment capacity until further guidance is issued.” It said the US State Department “plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applications.” The cable suggested that the suspension could be brief, telling embassies to receive new guidance in the “coming days,” although US missions already frequently see major backlogs in processing applications. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce did not comment directly on the cable but said that “we take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country.” Advertisement “It’s a goal, as stated by the president and Secretary Rubio, to make sure that people who are here understand what the law is, that they don’t have any criminal intent, that they are going to be contributors to the experience here, however short or long their status,” she said. Asked if students seeking to study at US universities should expect visas to be ready before terms begin in the autumn, Bruce said only: “If you’re going to be applying for a visa, follow the normal process, the normal steps, (and) expect to be looked at.” Rubio last week told a Senate hearing that he has revoked “thousands” of visas since Trump took office on 20 January. Rubio has used an obscure law that allows the secretary of state to remove foreigners for activities deemed counter to US foreign policy interests. The most visible targets have been students involved in activism over Gaza. Trump administration officials accused students of anti-Semitism, charges strenuously denied by a number of the people targeted. Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “US suspends student visa processing as Trump administration ramps up social media vetting”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “US suspends student visa processing as Trump administration ramps up social media vetting”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... Donald Trump Marco Rubio student visas trump administration United States News in 60 seconds Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug driving over Liverpool parade crash Dáil briefly suspended after protesters interrupt debate on ‘Israeli war bonds’ Billionaire Magnier was told 'one word, John: greed' on why €15m Tipperary land deal failed 43 mins ago People Before Profit-Solidarity Bill to ban 'cruel and inhumane' fox hunting in Ireland introduced to Dáil Not the 51st State King Charles says Canada will stay 'strong and free' in parliament speech amid Trump threats Irish Air Corps to move to five-day week from June as Air Traffic Control crisis deepens Niall O'Connor Humanitarian Aid Sound of gunfire reported as Palestinians try to reach new aid centre 27 people hospitalised after car struck pedestrians at Liverpool Premier League victory parade Further Education The government has announced the free college courses on offer for the next academic year North Island New Zealand teenager dies after taking part in rugby-inspired craze Premier League 'Big question' is how car that rammed people was on street after parade, Liverpool mayor says more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online