US Expands Social Media Vetting for Visa Applicants Amid Immigration Crackdown
The US government is expanding its vetting of social media accounts for visa applicants, including foreign journalists. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the department is reviewing and evaluating screening and vetting procedures worldwide to ensure national security and public safety.
According to an internal memo obtained by The Daily Signal, the State Department will require visa applicants to change their social media account settings to 'public' or 'open.' This expansion of social media vetting applies to foreign media representatives and some nationals from Mexico and Canada.
The Trump administration has been tightening immigration rules, including restricting entry into the US for citizens of certain countries. Foreign students and journalists will be limited to stays of 240 days (around eight months) under a new rule that could take effect as soon as September.