Pause in US student visa interviews makes families review plans
Mumbai: Increased scrutiny of international students' social media activity and a pause in US visa interview appointments have triggered more concern among Indian students aspiring to study in the US.
With the roadmap unclear and digital vetting deepening, many feel caught in a wave of uncertainty about their academic futures. In some cases, parents are considering putting plans for foreign education on hold for a year or look for alternatives in Australia or Europe.
Dr. Karan Gupta, a career guidance counsellor, confirmed that "students who already have visa appointments can proceed as planned," but those without one "will have to wait longer till appointments open."
He said social media profiles "are being scrutinised more closely," a practice that, while not new, has now intensified.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has in a recent cable to US embassies indicated the need to widen screening of foreign students for social media activity that promotes anti-semitism or indicates a desire to participate in political movements.
This heightened focus on their digital activity is prompting many students to review their online profile and past activity.
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"If their political opinions or views don't align with that of the US, they're going to face problems," Gupta explained. However, he said this was not an invasion of privacy since the content is publicly posted.
A student at Pennsylvania State University had a different perspective: "To be honest, it is really scary. Just hearing about how many international students had their visas cancelled is nerve-racking."
Education consultant K.P.
Singh echoed these concerns, stating that digital vetting "has actually been in place for over two years now," but "the US govt is now moving toward formalizing it with defined parameters."
Singh noted that about 10% of his students express anxiety, though "parents are debating whether to defer their children's plans by a year or look for alternatives like Australia or Europe."
The lack of clarity and consistency in the US govt's approach is especially troubling.
According to the Penn State student, "There really is no pattern to who is getting sent back. It's all very messed up."
Mental health is also taking a hit. "A lot of students are very stressed and it's taking a toll on their mental health," they said, adding that the university has arranged special counselling sessions.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Gupta assures students that universities are supportive. "They are telling students not to panic and proceed as planned."
Yet, as visa policies evolve, the future remains uncertain—leaving students in a precarious balancing act between their academic aspirations and an increasingly watchful immigration system.
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