The United States is resuming visa appointments for foreign students, but is tightening controls on social media. Consular staff must now screen applicants for “hostile attitudes” towards the US.
Visa applicants must make their social media public. Their posts will be screened for hostility towards the US, the government, the culture or “institutional principles”. Applicants with a history of political activism will be given extra scrutiny, especially if it may have involved violence.
The guideline encourages staff to search online for incriminating information. Students are advised not to keep their social media locked. This could indicate withholding information.
The guideline was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 18. According to the ministry, the aim is to reject applicants who pose a potential security risk.
Rubio previously stated that he had revoked hundreds, possibly thousands, of visas from students who spoke out against American foreign policy. This includes, among other things, outspoken support for Palestinians or criticism of Israeli warfare in Gaza.
Anyone wishing to study in the US must do an interview at an embassy or consulate in their country of origin. However, no new appointments have been scheduled since May 27, pending stricter guidelines.