Freeze on US student visa applications could have serious effect on Jamaicans - Dyke

Head coach of Edwin Allen High School girls track and field team Michael Dyke says should the recently announced halt to student visa applications to the United States persist, it could have a devastating effect on Jamaican student athletes.

Reports emerged on Tuesday that United States president Donald Trump's administration has ordered its embassies abroad to stop scheduling new visa interview appointments for students and exchange visitors, according to an internal cable seen by multiple news agencies.

In the memo, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said the pause is in place because the state department plans to expand the screening of student applicants' social media activities.

Speaking to Radio Jamaica Sports on Wednesday, Dyke said should there not be a lifting of the order in the coming months, Jamaican student athletes looking to attend colleges in the US this summer, will be significantly impacted.

A US official told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity that the halt is temporary and does not apply to students who have already scheduled their visa interviews. It's unclear how long the freeze will last.