US resumes student visas with mandatory social media screening for applicants
The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it has resumed processing student visa applications, following a temporary suspension linked to new screening protocols.Under new guidelines, all applicants must now provide access to their public social media accounts for government review. Officers will evaluate posts and activity to flag any anti-US government sentiments, or content critical of American people, institutions, culture, or founding principles.advertisement'The increased social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person trying to come to our country,' the department said in a statement.
As reported by the Associated Press, the Trump administration had paused student visa interview scheduling last month to prepare for these enhanced vetting procedures. That pause has now been lifted, and US consulates can resume the application process under the new rules.Students from countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, who have been anxiously waiting and frequently refreshing visa appointment portals, are now racing against time to secure approvals ahead of the academic term.The new policy marks a dramatic change in how student visas are issued, introducing an added layer of online screening that will affect thousands of foreign students hoping to study in US.Tune InMust Watch
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Hindustan Times
31 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Key SFJ operative arrested for vandalising Ambedkar's statue
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Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
GBU-57A/B myth vs reality: Trump unsure about bunker busters blasting Iran's Fordow nuclear plant; Israel's gamble to drag US into war may fail
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New Indian Express
43 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Israel-Iran conflict Trump privately approved Iran strike plans but withheld final order, says report
The Iran–Israel conflict entered its seventh day on Thursday with intense missile exchanges between the two nations. In a live address, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei asserted that the nation remains united and would not succumb to foreign pressure. Responding to US President Donald Trump's call for Iran to surrender, Khamenei warned that any American military involvement would cause 'irreparable damage to them.' European diplomats are preparing to hold talks with Iran on Friday. The United Nations Security Council, meanwhile, has scheduled a second emergency meeting on the conflict at the request of Russia, China and Pakistan. Offering to play a mediating role, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Moscow could help broker a settlement - one that would allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme while also addressing Israel's security concerns. Meanwhile, In a video address to Israelis, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump's support in the conflict, calling him 'a great friend of Israel' and praising the US help defending Israel's skies. Amid rising tensions, the Israeli military issued a warning on Thursday, urging residents to evacuate the area surrounding Iran's Arak heavy water reactor. The warning was shared in a post on X and featured a satellite image of the reactor - marked with a red circle, consistent with prior posts that preceded military strikes. The Arak facility is located about 250 kilometres (155 miles) southwest of Tehran. According to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists, at least 639 people have been killed in Israeli attacks across Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera. The group also identified 263 of those killed as civilians and 154 as security personnel.
