The US State Department has put student visa processing on hold following orders from Secretary of State Marco Rubio — the latest in a series of measures by the Trump administration aimed at tightening immigration screening.

The decision, which requires US diplomatic missions to pause interview appointments for new student and exchange visa applications, comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and higher-education institutions, in particular Harvard University.

"The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants," said the cable, first reported by Politico.

The State Department's approach is consistent with broader efforts to tighten screening of individuals entering the US.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Since Donald Trump's inauguration in January, the administration has implemented sweeping measures to detain and deport migrants, and to deny entry to some travelers — including tourists — prompting several countries to update their travel advisories.

The move follows efforts by the government to

© Deutsche Welle