US halts student visa appointments, Ghanaians set to be heavily affected

Trump Administration Halts Student Visa Appointments

The US has ordered embassies to stop scheduling new student visa appointments. This decision aims to enhance the screening of visa applicants. The screening will now include social media checks.

In 2024, the number of Ghanaian students in the US rose significantly. It increased from 6,468 in 2023 to 9,394 in 2024. Many Ghanaians travel to the US for their studies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a memo about this change. He stated that social media vetting would be intensified for student and exchange visas. This could have "significant implications" for embassies and consulates.

President Trump has criticized some top universities in America. He believes they are too left-wing and have enabled antisemitism on campus. He also claims they uphold discriminatory admissions policies.

According to CBS News, the State Department directed embassies to remove unfilled appointments for student visas. However, those with existing appointments can still proceed as planned.

The State Department is preparing for social media screening of student visa applicants. In April, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would screen some applicants for perceived antisemitic activity.