U.S. Mandates Public Social Media for Visa Applicants to Enhance Security

The United States has implemented a new policy requiring all foreign students applying for visas to have their social media accounts set to "public" for review by consular officials. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that applicants do not hold views that could be deemed hostile to the U.S. government, culture, or institutions. Consular officials will meticulously document and screenshot applicants' online activities to prevent any alterations or loss of information.

This new policy, issued by the U.S. Department of State, mandates that all applicants for student visas must make their social media profiles public. This includes platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among others. The aim is to allow consular officials to scrutinize applicants' online behavior for any signs of extremism, support for terrorism, or other activities that could pose a threat to national security. The policy also extends to applicants for J-1 exchange visitor visas, which are commonly used by scholars and researchers.

This policy change comes after a period of suspension in the visa application process due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of visa processing includes enhanced screening measures, with a particular focus on social media activity. Consular officials are instructed to look for any indications of political activism, support for terrorist organizations, or other behaviors that could be seen as a threat to U.S. interests. This includes support for groups like Hamas, which is specifically mentioned in the guidelines.

The new policy is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to tighten controls on immigration and ensure that those entering the country do not pose a security risk. The guidelines emphasize that the presence of certain factors in an applicant's social media history will not automatically disqualify them from obtaining a visa. However, such findings will trigger further investigation to determine if the applicant respects U.S. laws and intends to engage only in activities consistent with their non-immigrant visa status.

The policy applies to both new applicants and returning students. Consular officials are required to maintain detailed records of their reviews, including screenshots of applicants' social media activities. This is to ensure that any changes made to the accounts after the initial review can be detected and addressed. The definition of "online presence" extends beyond social media to include information available in online databases.

This new policy is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to enhance national security by closely monitoring the online activities of visa applicants. The guidelines are designed to ensure that only those who pose no threat to national security are granted entry into the country. The policy is expected to have a significant impact on the visa application process, with applicants needing to be more mindful of their online activities and the potential implications for their visa status.

In addition to the social media review, the U.S. has also strengthened its scrutiny of foreign students applying for visas. This includes requiring applicants to provide proof of excellent academic qualifications, financial capability, and a commitment to return to their home country after graduation. The total number of students in higher education in the U.S. is close to 19 million, with international students making up 5.9% of this population. These international students typically pay full tuition fees, which helps universities provide more financial aid to U.S. citizens.