Last month, the news caused a stir: The US banned all visa meetings for international students and exchange program participants. Now, those meetings will resume, but with one condition: the US government will tighten control of social media accounts.
In the future, foreigners will be forced to disclose their social media accounts to obtain a student visa in the U.S. Those who do not make their accounts public and allow them to be reviewed by American authorities risk having their application rejected.
This was announced by the US State Department in Washington. Because a refusal could be a signal that someone has something to hide.
"Hostile" posts towards American culture
Under these conditions, it should be possible to apply for student visas again, which were suspended again in May. According to a guideline for consular officials, the verification will focus primarily on posts or messages that could be considered "hostile" towards the US, the Washington government, American culture, the country's institutions and founding principles.
"Enhanced social media checks will ensure that all individuals attempting to visit our country are fully vetted," the US State Department statement further said.
Databases will also be verified.
According to media reports, individuals who have applied for F, M, and J visa categories are affected. These include students, exchange students, and caregivers, for example. This policy is expected to apply regardless of the educational institution.
But it's not just the applicants' social media presence that will be reviewed - their overall online presence will also be included in the check. This includes verifying information in online databases, reports the American daily magazine "Politico"./ DW (A2 Televizion)
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