On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed embassies and consulates to pause all new student and exchange visa appointments until further notice, according to an internal cable obtained by AFP.
This suspension part of the Trump administration’s expanded social-media vetting measures will affect international students, including Nigerians, a key revenue source for American universities.
The cable, signed by Rubio, instructs missions worldwide not to schedule “any additional student or exchange visa… appointment capacity” until they receive further guidance, which is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, embassies already face substantial backlogs in visa processing.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to comment directly on the memo but emphasized the administration’s commitment to rigorous vetting. “We want to ensure that those admitted understand and respect US law, have no criminal intent, and will contribute positively during their stay,” she said, urging applicants to follow “the normal process” and expect thorough review.
Rubio has reportedly revoked thousands of visas since January 20, invoking a lesser-known authority to remove foreigners deemed contrary to US foreign policy interests. Recent high-profile targets have included students active in Gaza solidarity protests—accused of anti-Semitism by officials, allegations strongly denied by those affected.
