The US State Department on Tuesday emphasised over the seriousness of its vetting process for allotment of visa. This comes amid reports that the Donald Trump administration is considering strict social media screening measures for student visa applicants. During a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated that the country will continue to vet whether a student or a tourist needs a visa.
Bruce stated that the United States takes the vetting process very seriously and the administration will be monitoring it strictly.
“We do know, though, that we take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that. We’re going to continue to vet. Whether you’re a student or a tourist who needs a visa, or whoever you are, we’re going to be looking at you. Why would it seem to be such a controversial thing that’s going on? But it shouldn’t be,” Bruce said.
Bruce further asserted that the steps taken by the Trump administration might come off as “counterproductive”. However, she emphasised that it is important to make sure people coming to US understand its law.
Will Social Media Be Screened?
Bruce didn’t disclose the nature of the steps that are taken, but reinstated that US will make sure that people who come here are contributors and don’t have any criminal intent.
“We’re not going to lay out here with the media, the nature of the steps that are taken, the methods that we use that would seem to be a little bit counterproductive, perhaps, but it is a goal, as stated by President Trump and Secretary Rubio to make sure that people who are here are here and understand what the law is, that they don’t have any criminal intent, that they are going to be contributors to the experience here, whether however short or long their stay is, and so the details of which I won’t reveal. But it’s one that will hopefully achieve our understanding of who deserves to visit this country and who does not,” Bruce said.
Well, this move comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed US embassies and consular offices to stop scheduling new visa interviews for student applicants. According to Politico, this action follows Trump administration’s consideration of strict vetting of applicants’ social media profiles.
Notably, the administration earlier called for social media checks on returning students who took part in protests related to Gaza. But, many State Department officials have voiced concerns that previous instructions like vetting students involved in campus protests were vague.
It’s not hidden that the administration has previously criticised several universities, especially Harvard, regarding issues related to campus protests and antisemitism. Additionally, increased immigration enforcement efforts were stepped up, including actions involving student visa holders.
#WATCH | On the student visa issue, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce says, "…We don't speak about individual visa cases. We don't speak about the nature of the choices made about individuals. We do know, though, that we take very seriously the process of vetting who… pic.twitter.com/pMoxMj5V8V
— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025
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