The Trump administration has ordered U.S. embassies to halt new student and exchange visa appointments, citing plans to expand social media vetting.
A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed diplomatic posts to cancel unfilled appointments, though scheduled ones may continue.
This move comes amid tensions with elite universities like Harvard, which Trump accuses of left-wing bias and fostering antisemitism.
The administration has also frozen funding and revoked visas for international students, though courts have blocked many actions.
The State Department says stricter vetting is for national security, but critics warn it threatens academic freedom and free speech.
