The U.S. State Department has implemented new guidelines requiring student visa applicants to set their social media profiles to "public." This move, which went into effect this week, mandates that applicants for F, M, and J visas allow U.S. consular officers to review their online activity for any signs of "hostility" toward the United States.
The new policy follows a nearly month-long suspension of student visa interviews while the State Department developed stricter social media screening protocols. According to an internal State Department cable dated June 18, 2025, consular officers are now required to conduct a "comprehensive and thorough vetting" of each applicant's online presence. This includes examining posts, likes, affiliations, and past interactions that could be interpreted as hostile to the U.S. government, culture, or institutions.
Consular officers are instructed to look for "hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles." Examples cited include public endorsements of groups like Hamas or any activities deemed detrimental to U.S. national security. Refusal to make social media accounts public "could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity," according to the cable, potentially leading to visa denial.
The State Department has indicated that it will utilize "all available technology" to screen applicants, though it remains unclear whether artificial intelligence will be involved. The screening extends beyond social media accounts to include information found in online databases and search engines, enabling a comprehensive digital profile of each applicant. Consular officers are also required to take detailed case notes and screenshots to preserve records against possible alteration or loss of information.
This policy shift has sparked considerable debate. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to protect national security and ensure that individuals entering the U.S. do not pose a threat. A senior State Department official stated that the new guidelines are part of an effort to "ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country" and to make the U.S. and its universities safer. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated his intention to "aggressively revoke" visas of those tied to anti-American activity.
Critics, however, contend that the policy infringes on privacy rights and could chill legitimate political speech. Jameel Jaffer of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University commented that the policy "makes a censor of every consular officer, and it will inevitably chill legitimate political speech both inside and outside the United States." Counselors working with foreign students have begun advising them to purge their social media accounts of potentially problematic posts. There are also concerns that the new requirements could lead to longer visa processing times and reduced appointment availability. The State Department has indicated that consulates should prioritize students attending institutions where international student enrollment is below 15%.
The implementation of these new guidelines reflects a broader effort to tighten immigration and student entry rules. It signals a shift towards increased digital scrutiny for those seeking to study in the U.S. While the State Department emphasizes that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right, the policy raises questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms.
