Indian students in the United States are facing heightened uncertainty as the Trump administration enforces tougher visa screening measures. Recent changes, including revoked F-1 visas and frozen SEVP records, have disrupted academic continuity and raised concerns over fairness in the student visa process.
While U.S. authorities have restored the status of students affected by SEVP record cancellations, the broader crackdown continues under new, stricter screening protocols announced in June. According to a June 18 press release from the U.S. Department of State titled “Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants”, all applicants under F, M, and J visa categories — including students and exchange visitors — are now subject to enhanced vetting, which includes a review of their social media activity.
“The U.S. utilises all available information in its visa screening and vetting process to identify applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to national security,” the Department said.
Under this new policy, applicants are also required to keep their social media profiles public so that visa officers can evaluate their online behaviour. The guidelines stress that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” meaning applicants must convincingly demonstrate eligibility and intent to comply with visa conditions.
The issue has drawn attention in India’s Parliament during the monsoon session. In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged growing concerns over delays and increased rejection rates for Indian students and professionals.
The minister of state emphasized that “the issuance of visas and the related policy and processes are the sovereign prerogative of the concerned state,” but added that the Indian government is engaging with U.S. authorities to develop “mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks.” These frameworks aim to streamline legal pathways for students and professionals while facilitating short-term travel for tourism and business.
The MEA also noted its ongoing cooperation with U.S. agencies to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking through joint action against organized networks and intermediaries.
The evolving visa rules have created a challenging landscape for Indian students, making future academic and professional opportunities in the U.S. more uncertain than before.
Recent Random Post:
