Raja Slams Trump’s ‘Reckless’ Visa Freeze, Cites Harm To U.S. Innovation

SCHAUMBURG, IL (ANI)-  Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s move to freeze new student visa interviews, calling it “a reckless decision,” amid reports of a potential crackdown on international applicants through enhanced social media vetting.

Krishnamoorthi underscored the crucial role international students play in sustaining America’s innovation and global leadership, stating they are essential to “driving cutting-edge research, fueling our universities, and building the industries of tomorrow.”

“These young people are not only scholars and innovators — they are vital to America’s economic strength and national security,” he said. “By developing the next generation of technologies and the good-paying jobs that come with them, they help ensure the United States remains a global leader.”

He warned that freezing student visa interviews and imposing vague new vetting requirements is “not only discriminatory — it’s a strategic blunder,” adding that such measures weaken the U.S.’s competitive edge and “risk surrendering our leadership in innovation to countries that welcome global talent.”

Krishnamoorthi’s statement comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly ordered embassies and consulates to stop scheduling visa interviews for new student applicants. According to Politico, the directive applies to F, M, and J visa categories and aligns with Trump-era executive orders aimed at tightening national security measures, including potential reviews of applicants’ social media profiles.

While details of the proposed screening are still unclear, the move signals a shift toward stricter scrutiny of international students — a change that could have wide-ranging consequences for U.S. academic institutions.

This development echoes recent comments from President Donald Trump, who criticized Harvard University for admitting what he described as an excessive number of foreign students — nearly 31 percent, by his estimate. He suggested capping international admissions at 15 percent and linked foreign students to concerns about campus unrest and public safety.

“I want to make sure that foreign students are people that can love our country,” Trump said, implying that some may pose security risks.

The visa freeze and stricter vetting come as a blow to thousands of Indian students hoping to pursue higher education in the U.S., potentially disrupting academic plans and long-term career goals.