NATIONAL ADDRESS OF THE MINISTER OF ECYS ON STUDENT VISAS & SOCIAL MEDIA
NATIONAL ADDRESS OF THE MINISTER OF ECYS ON STUDENT VISAS & SOCIAL MEDIA
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Good day, St. Maarten.
I speak directly to the public today, especially to our US-bound students and their parents,
following a major development from the United States Secretary of State.
Over the past few weeks, I have consistently warned students and families about the
current US administration’s steps to reduce or restrict the presence of international students.
Yesterday,
the US government instructed its embassies to stop scheduling student visa interviews.
This pause allows for a stricter review process,
one that now includes detailed checks of applicants’ social media profiles.
This review covers platforms like Facebook,
TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram. http://www.sxmgovernment.com
The authorities will not limit their assessments to public content only.
Even if your accounts appear private, they can still gain access.
We cannot change or influence this decision.
However, we can respond with preparation.
I call on all students and their families to
consider what this means for your academic goals and how you present yourselves online.
For weeks,
I have urged our students to think carefully about their behavior both online and offline.
A single post of a school fight, a heated argument,
or other questionable content can haunt your future.
It may feel harmless or even entertaining at the time—
but others may interpret it as dangerous,
inappropriate, or irresponsible.
The internet does not forget,
and neither do the institutions that vet your visa applications.
Governments and agencies possess tools to view your content,
even if you believe it is private.
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Do not underestimate this reality.
Take control of your digital footprint before someone else does.
The Ministry of Education, Culture,
Youth & Sport cannot alter the course of this US policy.
Nonetheless, we will continue to monitor the situation.
We will advise families wherever possible and applicable. Meanwhile,
I urge students to stay informed and act responsibly online.
I encourage parents to talk openly with their children about how to adjust their plans if necessary.
These global shifts bring uncertainty, and I understand the anxiety many of you feel.
Still, we must not panic.
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Instead, we must stay aware, observe the trends, and guide our students wisely.
With the right information, they can make strong, informed decisions for their future.
Thank you for your attention. Stay safe, and good day.