And it's basically: _GAGGING_ The recent U.S. (Trump administration) pause on student visas, along with plans to expand social media vetting, is drawing criticism for being repressive. The U.S.—the top destination for international students—gains nearly $44 billion and supports over 378,000 jobs through this sector, with more than 56,000 African students enrolled, most in high-priority STEM fields, spending $25,000 to $120,000 annually. Critics argue these policies threaten the very values the U.S. claims to uphold: freedom of speech, privacy, protest, and fairness — while disproportionately targeting applicants from Africa, China, and the Middle East. These plans sends a mixed message: the U.S. condemns other nations for silencing protest, yet is now effectively gagging some of the brightest minds in the world from speaking freely about it and its allies. It also raises concerns about cultural misinterpretation and political bias, as students may now be penalized for past posts expressing dissent. #pushafrican #africannews #mudsidenotes