LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman recently criticized the Trump administration ’s recent move to temporarily suspend all interviews for student visas, calling it a step backward for America’s long-standing tradition of attracting global talent. Responding to the policy shift, Hoffman said, “Unfortunately, the truth. Other countries are moving to fill the gap and acquire top talent. We’ve completely forgotten how America prospered.”
Hoffman quoted an X post that read:
“Blowing a $50 billion hole in the budget of every state flagship and top private university in America. Gunshot wound to the head of the best education system in the world and the crown jewel of American soft power. Absolute madness.”
Hoffman’s remarks highlight growing frustration among Silicon Valley leaders who say restricting educational access undermines America’s ability to compete globally. Many point to countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which are streamlining student immigration policies to attract talent that might otherwise have chosen the U.S.
US halts student visa interviews
Earlier this week, the Trump administration said it has stopped scheduling new student visa interviews at embassies across the embassies. The order was issued by a diplomatic cable sent by US Secretary Marco Rubio .
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” Rubio wrote
The Trump administration has defended the decision as part of a broader effort to reassess visa processing and prioritize national interest, but critics argue the suspension sends a chilling message to the world’s best and brightest.
While the administration has not clarified how long the hold on interviews will last, universities and businesses are bracing for potential fallout in upcoming academic cycles.
Hoffman quoted an X post that read:
“Blowing a $50 billion hole in the budget of every state flagship and top private university in America. Gunshot wound to the head of the best education system in the world and the crown jewel of American soft power. Absolute madness.”
Unfortunately, the truth. Other countries are moving to fill the gap and acquire top talent.
— Reid Hoffman (@reidhoffman) May 27, 2025
We've completely forgotten how America prospered.
Hoffman’s remarks highlight growing frustration among Silicon Valley leaders who say restricting educational access undermines America’s ability to compete globally. Many point to countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which are streamlining student immigration policies to attract talent that might otherwise have chosen the U.S.
US halts student visa interviews
Earlier this week, the Trump administration said it has stopped scheduling new student visa interviews at embassies across the embassies. The order was issued by a diplomatic cable sent by US Secretary Marco Rubio .
“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued,” Rubio wrote
The Trump administration has defended the decision as part of a broader effort to reassess visa processing and prioritize national interest, but critics argue the suspension sends a chilling message to the world’s best and brightest.
While the administration has not clarified how long the hold on interviews will last, universities and businesses are bracing for potential fallout in upcoming academic cycles.
You may also like
Spice Girls reunite as band celebrate Mel B's birthday at leopard print themed party
Political shift in Nagaland: NCP to see legal options to move court
Federation Cup to be played from June 4 in Panipat
Hectic search on for missing MP couple in Meghalaya since May 24
'Allies no longer expect us to come with begging bowl': Shehbaz Sharif admits Pakistan can't rely on handouts anymore
