US Resumes Visas For Foreign Students But Demands Access To Social Media Accounts

The U.S. State Department has resumed processing student visa applications after a temporary suspension, but now requires all applicants to make their social media accounts public for government review. Consular officers will screen for content potentially hostile to American values, government, or institutions, with refusal to comply possibly resulting in application rejection. The previous suspension, implemented under the Trump administration, had created significant anxiety among international students who need to make travel and housing arrangements before the academic year begins.