Staff Reporter :
The United States has suspended the processing of all student and exchange visas for foreign nationals, including those from Bangladesh. The directive, issued Tuesday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is part of the Trump administration’s intensified scrutiny of international students, particularly their social media activity.
An internal State Department cable, seen by AFP, instructed US embassies and consulates globally to halt the allocation of appointment slots for student and exchange visa applicants until further notice. While the suspension may be temporary, the cable indicated that embassies could expect further guidance “in the coming days.” However, with US missions already facing significant backlogs, the delay may impact students planning to begin studies this fall.
This development follows a series of measures under President Donald Trump’s administration targeting international students. Last week, the administration revoked hundreds of student visas and even barred Harvard University from admitting foreign students under certain programs. Secretary Rubio also disclosed
during a Senate hearing that “thousands” of visas have been rescinded since Trump returned to office on January 20.
The State Department said the move is part of a broader policy to ensure thorough vetting of applicants. “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. “It’s a goal… to make sure that people who are here understand what the law is, that they don’t have any criminal intent, and that they are going to be contributors to the experience here.”
Bruce stopped short of guaranteeing visa issuance before the start of the academic year, advising applicants to follow standard procedures and prepare for rigorous screening.
Observers note that many of the recently targeted students were involved in activism related to the Gaza conflict. Several have been accused by US officials of anti-Semitism, a claim denied by many of the students and rights groups involved.
The abrupt visa suspension has sparked uncertainty among thousands of Bangladeshi students who plan to study in the United States, a country long considered a top destination for higher education. Education consultancy firms in Dhaka and families of prospective students have expressed alarm at the development.
Universities across the US have also voiced concern, as international students contribute billions of dollars annually to the US economy and enrich academic and cultural diversity on campuses.
As the world awaits further clarification, students are urged to stay updated with announcements from the US Embassy and maintain readiness for application processing once the suspension is lifted.
