Trump suspends new student visa appointments, Ghanaian applicants affected

The Trump administration has instructed U.S. embassies to stop new student visa interviews. This is part of efforts to increase social media background checks for applicants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that this pause will last "until further guidance is issued."

This directive affects those applying for student and foreign exchange visas. It could significantly delay visa processing times. However, students with scheduled appointments can still attend their interviews.

Many Ghanaian students may be impacted by this decision. They must attend visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Accra before traveling. Each year, hundreds of Ghanaian students enroll in American universities, fostering academic and cultural exchange.

The memo also mentioned plans to expand the vetting process. Stricter checks on applicants’ social media activity will be included. The specific content or behavior that will be flagged was not detailed.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce defended the decision. She emphasized the importance of vetting individuals entering the country. The decision comes amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and some U.S. universities.

President Trump has criticized elite institutions for discriminatory admission policies and anti-Israel sentiments. The administration has taken aggressive actions against universities, including suspending some international student visas.

Harvard University, which has over 25% international students, has been a primary target. The Trump administration attempted to bar Harvard from enrolling foreign students but was blocked by a federal judge.

If these stricter visa measures continue, they could create serious challenges for Ghanaian students and others seeking higher education in the U.S.