US resumes foreign student visa processing, requires vetting of online activity

The US announced on Wednesday that it has resumed processing student visa applications for foreign nationals, with a new requirement that applicants provide access to their social media accounts for official review.

The State Department lifted the May suspension of student visa processing and issued new guidance to diplomatic posts around the world, instructing officials to review the "entire online presence" of student and exchange visa applicants.

Applicants will now be required to make their social media profiles public, as limited visibility may be seen as an attempt to conceal activity.

The department said consular officers will scrutinize posts and messages that may be considered hostile toward the US, its government, culture, institutions, or founding principles.

The guidance, which applies to both new and returning applicants for student and exchange visas, requires consular officers to review the applicant's entire online presence, including social media, search engines, online resources, and any databases that are accessible.

Last month, the Trump administration directed US embassies to suspend new student visa interviews while considering mandatory social media vetting for all international students.

The move comes after the Trump administration's controversial attempt to deter international students from coming to the US, such as increased visa cancelations and a focused investigation into Harvard University.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has drawn criticism for trying to deport students over the nonviolent expression of views at odds with US government policy, such as opposition to Israel's attacks and blockade on Palestine.

Such moves are said to violate the US Constitution's guarantee of free speech, which applies to everyone in the country, not just US citizens.