The government of US President Donald Trump ordered to suspend the processing of student visas, In the last spiral of their repression against foreign students, something that has been harshly criticized by China and by universities associations, such as Spanish, and Japan, which has asked their houses to receive those affected by those measures.
An internal cable signed on Tuesday by the head of diplomacy, Marco Rubio orders embassies and consulates in the world not to allow “any student or additional exchange visa until new guidelines are issued. “
On Tuesday, in addition to informing about the suspension of visas processing, the government announced its intention to cancel all contracts with Harvard, An estimated reduction by US media by US $ 100 million. This unleashed student protests.
Trump accuses Harvard of being a focus of anti -Semitism and progressive liberal ideology and He is furious because he refused to undergo registration and hiring.
A judge issued a temporary restriction order waiting for the case to be analyzed tomorrow, University’s graduation ceremony, which thousands of students and their families will attend in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston (Northeast).
What is the reason for the measure?
Trump’s government It is proposed to examine social networks profiles of foreigners who want to study in American universities, according to the cable.
According to The New York Times, The United States Department of State has interrupted interviews abroad “with foreign citizens requesting student and exchange visas, As the scrutiny of the publications of applicants on social networks expands. “
In his attempt to control the main American universities, the administration has revoked visas from foreign students and deported to some of the participants in the protests against the war in Gaza.
“The department said it bases the deadlines to grant visas in what officials need to conduct sufficient investigation, In compliance with US legislation, “says Times.
Specifically, the government says that “seeks to ensure that applicants They do not represent a risk for the security or protection of the United States. ”
How will the measure affect?
According to US media, the measure applies for both students who want to enter US universities worldwide, as well as university exchanges. The order can even affect foreign teachers.
However, foreign citizens who already have concerted quotes for interviews They can continue attending them “in theory”, clarifies the Times
Although it was not specified when to be resumed the quotes for interviews, Rubio gave the order to proceed with the suspension “Until new guidelines are received.”
The officials Nor were they clear about what reasons or what findings on social networks The applicant could be a reason for rejection, which adds uncertainty to the processes.
What is clear, is that, according to the statement, since 2019 Applicants have been asked to provide the authorities with all the information about their social networks.
According to him Times“Critics claim that Trump’s government Try to suppress freedom of expression and promote ideological conformity. “
The measure will also be an economic accurate coup for US universities. that depend largely on the income of foreign students.
On international scale, Trump’s administration policies are feared Make US universities less attractive to foreigners.
The spokeswoman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MAO NO, declared on Wednesday that Beijing urged Washington to “Safeguarding legitimate rights and interests of international students “.
In Taiwan, a doctoral student who will study at the University of California declared the AFP that the suspension of visa He left them in “uncertainty.”
“Now I don’t know if I would study here. Six years is a long time,” said Jack, A British student of medicine that graduates this week in Harvard.
*With information from EFE and AFP.