US Resumes Student Visas With Social Media Vetting
The US State Department has restarted the process for foreigners applying for student visas, requiring applicants to unlock their social media accounts for review. The move aims to screen for any content hostile to the US. Consulates are prioritizing students from schools with less than 15% foreign enrollment.
- Country:
- United States
The United States is resuming its student visa process, requiring foreign applicants to make their social media accounts public for governmental assessment. This measure, according to the State Department, is to ensure close scrutiny of any online content that might be against US principles, culture, or institutions.
The announcement came after a temporary halt in issuing new visas to prepare for expanded social media screening, officials say. Students from countries like China, India, and Mexico have been eagerly awaiting this development, with the upcoming academic year fast approaching. Priority is being given to those applying to institutions with a student body comprising less than 15% international students.
The policy revision echoes a larger trend under the Trump administration of increased oversight on international students in the US. Critics argue this could restrict free expression and academic freedom, drawing parallels with past ideologically-driven exclusionary practices. The government continued to expand criteria for student visa denials, potentially affecting many seeking education in the US.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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