The Trump administration has ordered worldwide to suspend new student and exchange visa interview appointments, aiming to tighten social media background checks on applicants.
In a memo to embassies and consulates, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the suspension will last “until further guidance is issued.” The pause affects new applicants, but those with scheduled appointments can proceed.
The directive could disrupt plans for many Ghanaian students, who must interview at the U.S. Embassy in Accra before traveling. Hundreds of Ghanaians enroll in American universities annually, reinforcing a strong academic exchange between both countries.
The memo also revealed plans to expand screening to include more rigorous checks on applicants’ social media activity, though it gave no details on flagged content.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce defended the move: “We take seriously who we let into the country and will continue thorough vetting.”
The decision comes amid tensions between the Trump administration and elite U.S. universities, fueled by disputes over pro-Palestinian protests and alleged anti-Israel bias. Trump has accused institutions like Harvard of discrimination and hostility toward Israel.
Past attempts to curb international student visas and restrict university funding have faced legal pushback, including a blocked effort to stop Harvard from enrolling foreign students.
If upheld, the new visa rules could significantly impact students from Ghana and around the world hoping to study in the U.S.
