Wednesday, May 28,
2025 - Kenyan students hoping to study in the United States face an
uncertain future after President Donald Trump's administration ordered the
suspension of new visa appointments for foreign learners.
In a diplomatic cable dated Tuesday, May 27th, US
Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed all American missions abroad to halt
scheduling appointments for student (F, M) and exchange visitor (J) visa
applicants.
The move will pave the way for the rollout of expanded
social media vetting protocols for all foreign students.
"The Department is conducting a review of existing
operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange
visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue
guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants," the
cable said.
While previously scheduled visa interviews will continue
under current rules, those at the initial stages of application have been
abruptly halted.
This includes Kenyan students who had secured scholarships
or were pursuing self-sponsored studies.
The new vetting approach will require US consulates to
revise operations and reallocate resources based on the increased workload.
The development is part of Trump's broader immigration
crackdown, which has seen tougher entry rules and a rise in deportations.
This directive also follows a standoff between Trump and top
US universities, including an attempt to revoke Harvard University’s foreign
student enrolment rights - a move later blocked by a federal judge.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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