The Trump administration has directed US embassies and consulates to suspend new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories) while the State Department reviews and plans to strengthen social media vetting for these applicants. An internal cable, authenticated by a top official, specifies that previously planned appointments would be maintained, but unclaimed appointment seats must be withdrawn, Reuters reported.

The heightened vetting aims to improve screening systems as part of the administration's larger immigration enforcement operations, which include more deportations and visa revocations. The State Department stated that it will continue to prioritize services for US citizens, immigrant visas, and fraud prevention.

The review is expected to require operational changes at consular posts to manage the additional workload and resource demands, according to Reuters.