The Trump administration’s directive to suspend new appointment slots for student and exchange visitor visa applicants has sparked uncertainty for thousands of international students preparing to start their academic programs in the US.Reports quoting recent communication from the US State Department said consular officials have been instructed to halt scheduling new interviews until further notice, while procedures are being revised to include broader social media background checks. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X may be scrutinised for national security considerations.India, which sent nearly 330,000 students to the US in the 2023–24 academic year, could be one of the countries most impacted by this move. International students in the US contribute significantly to the American economy, with their annual economic impact estimated at $43.8 billion, according to the NAFSA: Association of International Educators.“The welfare of Indian students abroad remains a top priority for the Government of India,” Jaiswal added. “While the issuance of visas is a sovereign function, we hope thatthe applications of Indian students will be considered on merit and that they will be able to join their academic programs on time.”The MEA spokesperson also confirmed that 1,080 Indian nationals have been deported from the US since January 2025, with 62% returning on commercial flights. The government reiterated that nationality is verified before repatriation to ensure proper procedure.
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