The U.S. has abruptly revoked the visas of over 400 international students, including those from Pakistan, leading several American universities to seek clarification from the government.
Reports indicate that the new policy involves closely monitoring the social media activity of visa applicants, particularly targeting those who have criticized the U.S. or Israel.
Read more: US Revokes Over 300 Student Visas Amid Campus Protests
On March 25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an instruction for diplomats to conduct thorough checks on social media accounts to prevent individuals with critical views on American foreign policy from entering the country.
Additionally, Rubio announced the cancellation of all U.S. visas for passport holders from South Sudan, due to the country’s failure to cooperate in the repatriation of its nationals.
He also warned that countries refusing to cooperate in the deportation of foreign nationals would face tougher visa restrictions and other policy measures.