Social Media Access Now Mandatory for US Student Visa Applicants
The U.S. Department of State has announced the restoration of student visa services for foreign applicants, but with a new condition: all applicants must provide access to their social media accounts.
According to the Associated Press, U.S. consular officers will now monitor posts and messages that are considered critical of the United States, its government, culture, institutions, or founding principles.
In a recent statement, the State Department confirmed that student visas, which were temporarily suspended in May, are once again being issued. However, applicants who refuse to make their social media accounts accessible may face rejection. Officials suggest that declining to share online activity may raise concerns about transparency.
Last month, the Trump administration had suspended visa interviews for international students. However, a 27-year-old PhD student currently residing in Toronto, who holds Chinese citizenship and plans to begin an internship in the U.S. later this July, received an interview appointment for the coming week.
With the resumption of student visa processing, U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to prioritize applicants enrolled in American colleges where international students make up less than 15% of the student population.
According to federal education data, over 200 universities in the U.S. have international student populations exceeding this 15% threshold.
International students continue to face heightened scrutiny for a variety of reasons. Just months ago, the Trump administration cancelled thousands of student visas.
The State Department emphasized that reviewing social media activity helps ensure thorough screening of individuals seeking entry into the United States.
Additionally, the Trump administration has urged 36 countries to improve their traveler vetting systems. Failure to comply could lead to restrictions on their citizens’ entry into the U.S. A formal notice sent by the State Department gave all nations a 60-day deadline to address U.S. security concerns or face potential travel bans.