The Trump administration directed U.S. embassies and consulates around the world Tuesday to halt scheduling visa interviews for international students as it weighs expanding “social media screening and vetting” for applicants.

The State Department issued an internal cable Tuesday, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that “effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued [separate telegram], which we anticipate in the coming days,” multiple outlets reported.

The Hill has reached out to the State Department for comment.

The development could lead to delays in processing stude

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