Washington DC/IBNS, May 28 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered all embassies across the world to halt scheduling any new interviews for student-visa applicants as the Donald Trump administration is considering ramping up the scrutiny of social media profiles, according to a report by Politico.

"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 in a cable, obtained by Politico.

According to the cable, interviews that have already been scheduled are permitted to go ahead.

If the administration carries out the plan...