Resumption of Student Visas: Enhanced Social Media Vetting and its Implications
Resumption of Student Visas: Enhanced Social Media Vetting and its Implications The U.S. State Department announced the resumption of student visa processing, a move welcomed by international students after a period of suspension. However, this resumption comes with a significant caveat: all applicants are now required to make their social media accounts publicly accessible for government review. The department’s statement clarifies that consular officers will scrutinize social media posts and messages for any indication of hostility toward the United States,…