The Donald Trump Administration has paused scheduling student visa interviews as new applicants are being asked to undergo ‘social media vetting’ according to a report from Politico.

Describing it as a “significant expansion of previous such efforts”, the report said all embassies and consular sections were ordered to pause scheduling new student interviews by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

“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 septel, (separate telegram) which we anticipate in the coming days,” the communication said.

Potential blowback from the decision, if carried out, includes not only slower student visa processing but financial cuts for some universities who may depend on foreign enrolment for funding.

The report linked the decision to ongoing protests by many university students against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza

It comes amid fallouts with universities including Harvard about similar protests. The United States has doggedly supported Israel’s military campaign in Gaza which was heightened after attacks on Israel by militant group Hamas.