According to officials, applicants will be required to set their social media accounts to public, allowing consular officers stationed abroad to inspect their online presence. The officials have instructed that any evidence indicating negative sentiment toward American citizens, culture, or government could impact the application outcome.

This latest policy is seen as part of the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to influence the environment in U.S. universities, which critics argue is aimed at suppressing liberal ideologies on campuses. Some aides within the administration reportedly advocate for a cultural shift towards more conservative viewpoints in higher education.

As this policy unfolds, debates are anticipated regarding its implications for academic exchange and the freedom of expression for international students and scholars seeking to engage in educational pursuits in the United States.