US Student Visas Now Require Enhanced Social Media Screening—Here's What to Know | Condé Nast Traveler

"Starting in late May, anyone seeking a U.S. visa for any purpose tied to Harvard—students, staff, researchers, and even tourists attending campus events—has been flagged for “enhanced vetting” under a pilot program the State Department frames as a national security measure and that could be expanded to other institutions. On July 23 the department announced an investigation into Harvard’s authority to sponsor international students and researchers; without that sponsorship authority Harvard could not enroll new international students or host researchers and visiting professors from abroad. The administration justified the move by citing alleged failures by Harvard to curb antisemitism and threats to campus safety after pro‑Palestinian protests, and Harvard is fighting the policy in court; a federal judge previously granted a temporary restraining order preventing visa denials based solely on political affiliation or social‑media content." - Bailey Berg