Caught in the Crossfire: US Visas, Student Dreams & Social Media Scrutiny
A Shifting Landscape for Admissions Abroad
In 2025, aspiring international students face unprecedented hurdles in pursuing education in the United States. The U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused new student visa interviews to implement enhanced social media and security screening for F, M, and J visa applicants. This move aims to bolster national security but has introduced uncertainty for students worldwide.
Adding to the complexity, the U.S. government has expanded scrutiny of visa applicants' digital footprints, particularly targeting those associated with institutions like Harvard University . Applicants lacking a social media presence or maintaining private profiles may now face additional challenges in securing visas.
These developments have raised concerns among students and educators alike. Arjun Seth, founder of Edbrand and a seasoned education consultant, shared his perspectives on these changes in a recent interview for CNN News 18’s The Breakfast Club.
What Has Changed in the U.S. Visa Process
In a sweeping move by the U.S. State Department, all new student visa interview appointments - specifically for F, M, and J visa categories - have been temporarily paused as part of a broader overhaul of the vetting process. The F-1 visa, the most common for full-time international students, and the J-1 visa for exchange visitors, are among those affected. While the pause is not permanent, its timing - just months before the academic year - has raised alarm across the global student community.
Alongside this, there has been a silent rollout of an enhanced social media screening protocol. Visa officers now reportedly review applicants' public digital footprints more actively, including posts, interactions, affiliations, and even who they follow. Complicating matters further, students must also present Form I-20 - a document issued by U.S. universities confirming admission and financial capability - when applying for a visa. As Arjun Seth emphasizes, “The I-20 is not just a form; it’s a legal commitment, and students must be fully prepared to explain its contents during visa and port-of-entry screenings.”
This shift signals a move toward integrating behavioral and ideological profiling into immigration decisions, blurring the lines between academic ambition and political optics.
Impact on Students
The uncertainty sparked by the visa pause and enhanced social media screening has deeply unsettled students and their families. For many, it has disrupted carefully laid plans, with some students already accepted to prestigious U.S. universities now unsure if they can make it to campus in time for the fall semester. Students report heightened stress levels as they scramble to review their digital footprints, question their eligibility, or weigh the emotional and financial costs of deferring admissions. Arjun Seth points out that some Harvard admits have been left "devastated" and are now re-approaching universities they had earlier declined. For younger students, the shift is forcing a reevaluation of the “American Dream,” prompting families to look into safer, more stable alternatives such as Europe, Japan, and even Indian institutions planning global partnerships.
Q&A with Arjun Seth: Understanding the Implications
Q: What does the pause in student visa interviews mean for prospective students?
Arjun Seth: "This moment is unprecedented. The pause affects students globally, not just from India. It's crucial to understand that this is a broader international screening system being deployed."
Q: How does the enhanced social media screening impact applicants?
Arjun Seth: "Screening doesn't stop at the social media level. Be careful about what you know before you head out to the U.S. Your digital profile is now part of your resume of sorts."
Q: What advice do you have for students preparing for visa interviews?
Arjun Seth: "Take it seriously; it's (I-20) a legal document. Be prepared not just to get through the visa interview but also at the port of entry. Know your I-20, the course you're attending, and ensure your online presence reflects your intentions accurately."
Q. For students in Class 10 or 11 — those with dreams of studying in the U.S. — are they now reconsidering?
Arjun Seth: "Yes, some families are questioning the U.S. as a destination because they prioritize stability and safety. But the good news is that U.S. universities are making serious efforts to reassure families. They’re holding webinars and sharing resources to show that campuses are safe. That said, students are now exploring options in countries like Japan, the Netherlands, and even domestic campuses in India that are forming global partnerships. There's a choice available to families in India, and students are weighing their options carefully."
Q. What are you hearing from students admitted to Harvard? How are they coping with this ban?
Arjun Seth: "It’s been devastating for many. I work with a few students who were admitted. They’re now writing to universities they had previously declined. The good news is that other institutions — not just in the U.S., but globally — are stepping up. Counselors, advisors, and admissions officers are trying to support these students. Still, the dream of attending Harvard this year looks bleak for many."
Q. Could this situation worsen under the current U.S. administration? Will more universities beyond Harvard be affected?
Arjun Seth: "There’s definitely a possibility. Higher education institutions that are seen by the administration as encouraging dissent may face restrictions. Students need to understand the rules of their stay — it’s always been required, but now it’s more strictly enforced. Those with extreme political leanings — whether ultra-liberal or far-right — need to be mindful of how they present themselves in a foreign country. Unfortunately, that’s the reality today."
The evolving U.S. visa policies underscore the importance of staying informed and proactive. Students must be diligent in understanding the new requirements, maintaining transparent digital profiles, and considering alternative educational pathways. As Arjun Seth emphasizes, preparation and awareness are key to navigating these changes successfully.
Watch the full video below!
