U.S. Requires Public Social Media Accounts for Student Visa Applicants

Social media accounts must be public

Student visa applications under review

US monitors online opinions

According to the EFE news agency, the US government has imposed new restrictions on those wishing to enter the country with student or exchange visas.

From now on, applicants must set their social media accounts to “public” in order to proceed with the application process.

This measure applies to F-type visas (academic students), M-type (technical or vocational students), and J-type (exchange programs).

The announcement was made this Wednesday by the Department of State, which justified the decision as part of its “enhanced background verification strategy.”

Officials Will Review Social Media of Students Applying for Visas

Public Social Media Accounts for Student Visa Applicants – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Consular officials will be authorized to thoroughly review applicants’ social media profiles.

The goal is to detect any possible “signs of hostility” toward the people, culture, government, or institutions of the United States.

Among the evaluation criteria is also any indication of rejection of the country’s foundational principles.

As a result, keeping social media accounts private could be interpreted as a red flag.

State Department Tightens Controls

United States will review social media – PHOTO: The Associated Press

“Setting profiles to private may be considered an attempt to hide information or evade screening,” official sources stated.

The Department of State considers this digital review to provide greater security in immigration processes.

“We want to make sure we know who is entering our country and with what intentions,” said department spokespeople.

The measure comes in a context of growing political tension surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Universities and US Student Visas at Odds

Public Social Media Accounts for Student Visa Applicants – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

“Although the government temporarily suspended the student visa granting process on May 27, consulates will resume appointments under this new system.”

“Consulates are holding thousands of pending applications, which will now be reviewed based on this digital criterion.”

The change has sparked concern among civil rights organizations and migrant rights advocates.

Several universities have denounced the practice, arguing that it limits international students’ freedom of expression.