USA stop visas for foreign students: What is behind it?

USA stop visas for foreign students: What is behind it?

Tufts University, USA - The US government has taken measures that affect foreign students and participants in exchange programs by temporarily suspending new visa applications. As the rems newspaper were reported And consulates instructed not to make any new appointments for visa applications for the time being. However, dates that have already been agreed remain.

This decision particularly affects Visa categories f (students), M (vocational student) and J (exchange programs, au pairs). Further instructions on the new reviews will be published in the coming days. The background of the measure is to expand the review of social media activities for visa applicants. The situation is particularly critical, since earlier reviews took place, especially among students who could have participated in pro-Palestinian protests.

Expansion of controls

US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio emphasized that the review of foreign students is expanded, also on social networks. This instruction is part of a strategy to ensure that all those who travel to know the laws of the United States, have no criminal intentions and make a positive social contribution. According to Tagesschau , the seriousness of these reviews is undisputed, which the spokeswoman for the US State Department, Tammy Bruce, also underlined.

In addition, Rubio announced that new guidelines for controls in the American foreign representatives will be worked out. Critics of the program see this an attack on the right to freedom of expression. There are also reports that the owners of student visa and green cards can be deported if they threaten US foreign policy or support organizations such as Hamas.

implications for students and universities

The situation could have significant consequences for international students. One example is a Tufts University Turkish student who was kept in deportation for over six weeks after criticizing the attitude of her university for the Gaza War. These incidents have led to an increased concern of international students, especially with regard to their security and their rights in the USA, as the Vorarlberg online

In addition, Harvard University comes under pressure because it refuses to take over the strict guidelines of the Trump government. This could have negative consequences for the institution that attracts many students internationally who make up about 27% of their student body and thus represent an important source of income.