U.S. resumes visas for foreign students but demands access to social media accounts
NPR Online NewsJUN 20
US Resumes Student Visas With Social Media Screening Rule
Above: The Harvard student body on May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Image copyright: Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Enhanced student screening protects U.S. national security by identifying potentially hostile individuals before they enter the country. The comprehensive vetting ensures proper screening of every person attempting to visit America, addressing legitimate concerns about foreign students who may harbor anti-American sentiments or engage in activities contrary to U.S. interests.
Establishment-critical narrative
This draconian policy transforms consular officers into censors and will inevitably chill legitimate political speech both inside and outside the United States. It is extremely harmful for the U.S. to be eroding its long and enriching tradition of welcoming international students — this will be detrimental to the social fabric and economy of the United States.