The State Department has announced it will be reviewing social media accounts of visa applicants from students and visiting scholars as part of a newly implemented policy aimed at identifying any perceived "hostility" towards the United States.
U.S. Plans New Social Media Screening for Student Visa Applicants
U.S. Plans New Social Media Screening for Student Visa Applicants
In a move to enhance scrutiny, the State Department mandates social media reviews for foreign student and scholar visa applications.
June 18, 2025, 7:13 p.m. ET - Reporting from Washington, Edward Wong
The State Department has confirmed it will begin processing visa applications for international students and visiting scholars, with a notable twist: applicants will be required to submit their social media accounts for scrutiny. The officials revealed that these accounts will be screened for any signs of "hostility" towards America.
This change impacts applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, which are specifically designed for educational exchanges and scholarly research. The consular officers stationed in various U.S. missions globally will be on the lookout for expressions of negativity towards American citizens, culture, government, or foundational values of the nation. Details surrounding the specific criteria for determining "hostility" remain unclear.
The guidelines were issued after a temporary halt in processing student and researcher visas lasting nearly a month. The newly established policy seems to align with an ongoing effort by the Trump administration, aimed at reshaping the ideological landscape of American universities, where officials have expressed a desire for increased representation of conservative beliefs and perspectives.
The State Department has confirmed it will begin processing visa applications for international students and visiting scholars, with a notable twist: applicants will be required to submit their social media accounts for scrutiny. The officials revealed that these accounts will be screened for any signs of "hostility" towards America.
This change impacts applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, which are specifically designed for educational exchanges and scholarly research. The consular officers stationed in various U.S. missions globally will be on the lookout for expressions of negativity towards American citizens, culture, government, or foundational values of the nation. Details surrounding the specific criteria for determining "hostility" remain unclear.
The guidelines were issued after a temporary halt in processing student and researcher visas lasting nearly a month. The newly established policy seems to align with an ongoing effort by the Trump administration, aimed at reshaping the ideological landscape of American universities, where officials have expressed a desire for increased representation of conservative beliefs and perspectives.
