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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a letter sent to diplomatic missions that the pause would last “until further guidance is issued.”

The message indicated that social media screening for student and exchange visas would be intensified, which would have “significant implications” for embassies and consulates.

This comes amid Trump’s ongoing clash with some of America's top colleges, which he believes are too left-leaning. He claims that some encourage antisemitism on campus and maintain discriminatory admissions policies.

According to a memo reviewed by CBS News, U.S. embassies were instructed to remove unfilled appointments from their schedules for students applying for visas on Tuesday, although those with previously scheduled appointments may proceed.

The diplomatic letter also stated that the State Department is preparing to implement “mandatory social media screening and review” for all student visa applications. It did not specify what the screening would include.

According to The Guardian, the Trump administration had already intensified scrutiny of student social media activity, focusing on what it views as support for “terrorist activities.” The paper linked this move to Trump’s broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses.