(WASHINGTON)— In response to reporting that the Trump administration has paused interviews for international student visas and is weighing expanded social media vetting for applicants to study in the United States, PEN America issued the following comment on Tuesday evening:
“This is another threat to crack down on free expression; immediately, it will have the harsh impact of deterring or impeding international students from attending U.S. universities,” said Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director, U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America. “The details remain vague, but this policy risks upending the longstanding place of the U.S. as a beacon for intellectual and cultural exchange with the world. And it is yet another accelerant in the administration’s effort to intimidate college and university leaders, and weaken the vitality of our higher education sector.”
According to reporting by The Associated Press, a cable sent Tuesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to U.S. embassies and consulates ordered the pause on scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants. The report said the State Department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting.
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity” until the guidance is issued,” the cable said.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057