United States Requires Opening Social Media Accounts for Student Visa Acceptance

The US Department of State has announced the resumption of accepting applications for foreign student visas after a temporary suspension, requiring applicants to have active accounts on social media platforms with 'public' settings that allow consular officials to review them in full. The statement mentioned that students who refuse to switch their accounts to 'public' status may face rejection of their applications, as reported by the Associated Press.

The Department emphasized that officials will examine applicants' posts and messages for any content deemed hostile to the United States, its government, culture, or institutions. It pointed out that keeping accounts private could be interpreted as an attempt to conceal undesirable activities or evade the new requirements.

According to the statement, the decision to suspend the processing of student visas issued last May has been lifted, but the administration has maintained strict scrutiny of digital accounts. It reiterated a warning that non-compliance with the guidelines could lead to application rejection.

This measure follows the Trump administration's decision last month to suspend new visa interviews for foreign students in preparation for deepening the security screening of their online activities. International students, especially with the approaching academic year, were awaiting the reopening of consulates to complete travel and residency procedures.

Student visas have been a subject of widespread controversy during the Trump era, with thousands of visas being revoked, and the administration threatening to prevent prestigious universities like Harvard from receiving international students. In a notable incident, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revoked visas for a group of students who organized protests against the Israeli attack on Gaza, citing a law that allows the deportation of those deemed opponents of US foreign policy.