Federal officials review social media of Harvard visa applicants

In recent months, federal officials in the United States have started a new practice of scrutinizing the social media accounts of international visa applicants who wish to attend, work at, or visit Harvard University. This measure is part of a broader strategy implemented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed at identifying signs of antisemitism or other behaviors considered potentially threatening. The directive highlights a particular focus on those whose social media accounts are private or who lack an online presence altogether, as these factors are viewed as indications of evasion and may raise doubts about an applicant's credibility. The State Department's decision follows a historical tension between the Trump administration and Harvard University, which has openly defied the administration’s views regarding campus liberalism and antisemitism. This scrutiny is not limited to students alone; it extends to all visa applicants, including faculty and visitors. This new vetting process builds on previous measures that began during the Trump administration, which aimed to enhance security protocols regarding who is allowed into the U.S. The implications of these actions have raised concerns regarding ideological discrimination in the context of visa approvals. Critics argue that these measures could disproportionately affect those with dissenting political views or who engage in activism, impacting Harvard's ability to attract a diverse student body from around the world. This scrutiny could provoke wider implications for international relations and the perception of the U.S. as a welcoming environment for foreign students and academics.