Social media could now play a decisive role for international students applying to study in the United States. The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it is resuming student visa processing after a suspension, but with new rules that require applicants to make their social media accounts accessible for review, according to media outlets.
The U.S. hosts over one million international students each year, many of whom contribute significantly to research, tuition revenue and cultural exchange.
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Visa process resumes with new rules
The original May 27 directive halted processing until the government could update its guidelines to include social media vetting. At the time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said applications would resume once that system was officially in place.
The State Department says consular officers will review all social media accounts for content that appears hostile toward the U.S., including criticism of values or institutions. Politico said they obtained the internal directive that will require officials to notify if they see “advocacy for, aid or support for foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security” and “support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.”
The new rules will reportedly apply to foreign nationals seeking F, M and J visas, which are designated for academic study and exchange programs. These visa types are considered nonimmigrant classifications, meaning recipients are not applying for permanent residence.
Politico reports that these new guidelines apply to both new and returning applicants. It further details what officers should look for when vetting applicants, including taking detailed notes or screenshots to ensure information isn’t lost in the future. If officials flag information, applicants aren’t immediately deemed ineligible but will undergo additional review to ensure national security is upheld.
Reporting on the memo did not address how the department would identify anonymous accounts not disclosed by the visa applicants.
In a statement to the Associated Press, the department said to facilitate this vetting, applicants “will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to ‘public.’ The enhanced social media vetting will ensure we are properly screening every single person attempting to visit our country.”
What happens next
The new guidelines take effect immediately for all new and returning applicants, according to internal guidance cited by Politico. Officials have not said whether additional changes to student visa policies are under review.
contributed to this report.