US Gives Stricter Directives For Immigrants Applying For Some Certain Class Of Visa
The U.S. embassy has recently emphasized stricter scrutiny of social media activity for applicants of F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) nonimmigrant visas.
Key Points from the Announcement:
Social Media Privacy Settings:
Applicants are requested to adjust their social media accounts to “public”. This allows consular officers to more easily verify identity and assess eligibility under U.S. immigration law.
Content Monitoring:
Posts that:
Glorify terrorism
Defend ethnic cleansing
Justify or excuse violence or barbarism (for political or religious reasons) may be flagged as grounds for denial under U.S. visa eligibility rules, especially under Section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars individuals who have engaged in or endorsed terrorist activity or threats to public safety.
What This Means for Applicants:
Be mindful of your online presence: Any posts, likes, shares, or comments—even old ones—could be reviewed.
Private vs. Public: Even if your settings are private, U.S. consular officers can request access, and hiding content may raise red flags.
Review your accounts: It’s advisable to clean up any questionable content before applying.
This move is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and vet applicants thoroughly, especially amid global concerns about extremism and digital radicalization.
