US Halts Student Visas Globally for Social Media Vetting, Hitting Africa

The US State Department has paused the issuance of student visas worldwide as it seeks to expand vetting of applicants’ social media activity, a move likely to disrupt plans for thousands of overseas students, particularly from Africa, ahead of the next academic intake.

Embassies and consulates have been directed to halt appointments for student and exchange visitor visas, pending further guidance on a new screening programme that will use artificial intelligence to flag potential national security risks based on individuals’ online behaviour.

The temporary suspension is expected to exacerbate delays in an already stretched visa system still grappling with a backlog that dates back to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Students from African countries, many of whom had secured places at American universities for the upcoming term, are among the hardest hit.

The decision comes amid a broader crackdown by the administration of President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, on foreign nationals perceived as hostile or critical of US policies.

Immigration officials have revoked more than 4,000 student visas in recent months, citing security concerns, including individuals allegedly involved in protests or displaying anti-American sentiment online.

The latest action follows an attempt by the Department of Homeland Security to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, citing safety risks linked to activism on campus.

A federal court has temporarily restrained the move, allowing Harvard to continue admitting foreign students while legal proceedings continue.

Universities and student advocacy groups say the clampdown risks tarnishing the image of the US as a hub for global education and undermining academic freedom. They warn the delays and uncertainty could push prospective students to consider alternative destinations, such as the UK, Canada or Australia.

With student visa processing already under pressure from post-pandemic backlogs and staffing shortages at diplomatic posts, the latest freeze is expected to cause further pile-up and uncertainty, as students scramble to meet reporting deadlines and travel schedules.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org