…the student visa suspension affects international students seeking to study in the country
The United States government has suspended student visa processing, affecting international students seeking to study in the country, iNews Times reports.
This move is part of President Donald Trump’s administration broader crackdown on foreign students in US universities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the suspension of student visa processing until further guidance is issued.
iNews Times learnt that the government also plans to increase vetting of social media profiles of international applicants to US universities.
The development comes as Harvard University students protested against the government’s plan to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the elite school, worth an estimated $100 million.
The students opposed Trump’s widening offensive against the university, which has drawn his ire for refusing to give up control of curriculum, admissions, and research.
Harvard has filed extensive legal challenges against Trump’s measures, which legal experts say are likely to be overturned by the courts. Alumni plan to file a lawsuit against Trump on June 9, citing concerns about the impact on international students and the university’s reputation.
The White House has however defended the decision, saying public money should go to vocational schools that train electricians and plumbers, rather than universities like Harvard.
A White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt said the president is more interested in giving taxpayer money to trade schools and programs that promote American values and skills needed in the economy and society.
Students and alumni are concerned about the impact on international students, with many feeling threatened with deportation or forced to transfer to another university.
Medicine students from Britain graduating this week expressed doubts about pursuing a PhD in the US, citing the policies pursued by President Trump.
