STUDENT VISA FREEZE UNDER TRUMP HITS PROSPECTIVE GHANAIAN APPLICANTS
STUDENT VISA FREEZE UNDER TRUMP

The United States government, under the administration of former President Donald Trump, has halted the scheduling of all new student visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, including in Ghana. This decision is part of a broader immigration policy aimed at tightening visa screening procedures, particularly through enhanced social media background checks.
According to U.S. authorities, the suspension affects only new appointments; those who already have scheduled interviews will still be attended to as planned. However, the freeze is expected to significantly disrupt the plans of prospective international students, especially those from Ghana and other African nations, who are preparing to begin academic programs in the U.S.
In response to growing concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Accra has acknowledged the challenges facing student visa applicants and assured the public of ongoing efforts to address delays and provide timely updates. The embassy has also stated that it is prioritizing cases that require urgent processing, including those with upcoming academic start dates.
This policy move comes just months after a separate controversy in which the U.S. government had abruptly canceled thousands of student visa records, including over 4,700 affecting international students. That decision was later reversed following public outcry and legal challenges, restoring hope for many affected applicants.
Education advocates and families in Ghana have expressed disappointment over the recent development, urging the U.S. government to reconsider the suspension in light of its impact on students' futures. Many students are now left in uncertainty, unsure if they will be able to meet their enrollment deadlines for the upcoming academic year.
Stakeholders are encouraged to follow official embassy channels for updates and to maintain communication with their respective educational institutions in the U.S. as the situation evolves.