Kaushik Raj, an Indian student who had earned a prestigious $100,000 (Rs 89 lakh) scholarship to pursue a graduate degree in journalism at Columbia University, was denied a student visa by the United States in the final stage of the application process.

Although Raj’s admission to the university had already been secured, he believes his social media activity, particularly his professional reporting, may have influenced the rejection, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The 27-year-old had completed all prior steps required for a US student visa . The last stage involved submitting his social media profiles, a requirement introduced under a policy change during the Trump administration aimed at increased scrutiny.

“I wasn’t very active online,” The Washington Post quoted Raj

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