The U.S. State Department has announced the resumption of student visa interviews for foreign applicants, but with stringent new guidelines. All student visa applicants will be required to make their social media profiles public for scrutiny. The new regulations are designed to identify ‘hostile attitudes’ towards the U.S. and enforce tighter security measures. Although the visa process has reopened, many international students who previously left the U.S. may face challenges returning due to these enhanced vetting requirements. The move has generated debate about the implications for free speech and privacy among those seeking educational opportunities in the U.S.