The US State Department announced new regulations on June 18, requiring diplomatic agencies abroad to review the social media accounts of all foreign students applying for visas to study in the US, according to Politico .
Image of the US State Department seal
PHOTO: REUTERS
Accordingly, consular officers will examine the applicant's cyber presence to look for "indications of hostility toward the people, culture, government , institutions, or fundamental principles of the United States." Cyber presence is understood to mean all activities, including information contained in online databases, not just activities on social networks.
Embassies are also required to identify and flag support for foreign terrorism and other threats to U.S. national security, or support for unlawful anti-Semitic harassment or violence. Support for the militant group Hamas is one example.
The new rules apply to both new and returning students. Consular officers are required to take detailed notes of cases and take screenshots for their records, to avoid applicants modifying or deleting posts.
Many international students in the US have their visas revoked
In a statement on June 18, the US State Department said it had lifted its May suspension of visa applications for foreign students, but warned that new applicants who object to making their social media accounts public for verification purposes could be denied visas. Those who refuse to make their social media accounts public could be suspected of attempting to conceal their actions from US officials.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-ap-dung-quy-dinh-moi-ve-viec-cap-visa-cho-sinh-vien-nuoc-ngoai-185250619080302362.htm
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