Vietnam responds to US halt of student visa interviews worldwide

At a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, the foreign ministry's spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang addressed concerns about the Trump administration’s directive to stop scheduling new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas at U.S. embassies worldwide.

Hang noted that the ministry and Vietnamese diplomatic mission in the U.S. are in close contact with American counterparts to understand the full implications of the policy.

She emphasized that this time of year is especially important for students preparing to study in the U.S., whether through scholarship programs or self-funded education.

"We hope that the visa application and interview process for Vietnamese students will proceed smoothly, allowing education to continue serving as a key pillar in the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the U.S.," Hang said.

According to an internal cable seen by Reuters on Tuesday, President Donald Trump’s administration has instructed U.S. diplomatic missions to suspend new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants.

This comes as the U.S. State Department plans to expand social media screening for all foreign students.

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.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the cable that previously scheduled appointments may proceed, but any unbooked appointments should be withdrawn from the system.

Hang also responded to questions about the U.S. government's recent decision to revoke Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students. That decision was temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

She reiterated Vietnam’s expectation that the U.S. will continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese students, educators, scholars, and professionals to access educational opportunities at leading institutions.

The order, issued on May 22, required current international students at Harvard to transfer to other schools or risk losing their legal status in the United States.

However, just hours later, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order blocking the move, according to NBC News.

On Thursday, she extended the order, stating it would remain in effect until replaced by a preliminary injunction.