Government vetting of international student visas and scrutiny of social media is creating a chilling effect on campuses, the author warns, with potential repercussions for recruitment and academic freedom. Maëline Eray argues increased surveillance and interrogations of applicants' online histories deter prospective international students and complicate universities' commitment to free speech. Colleges that rely on global talent and research partnerships are already reporting heightened application friction and reputational risk. Admissions officers and international student services now face more stringent checks that can delay visas and reduce yield from key markets. Universities must balance compliance with federal vetting requirements against recruitment goals, and they should prepare clearer communications and legal support for applicants and faculty whose work intersects with politically sensitive issues.