U.S. Department of State official broadcasted that applicants for U.S. visas have to provide information on their use of social media.
The Trump administration implement w.e.f this new policy on Friday by asking most of the applicants about the information on their use of social media for U.S. visas.
Now every applicant, including temporary visitors, will be required to list their social media identifiers in a drop-down menu along with other personal information.
The Visa applicants also have the option to say that they do not use social media but applicant founded lies about uses of social media that they could face “serious immigration consequences” as a result.
Until now, the Visa application drop-down menu only includes major social media websites, but soon applicants will be able to list all sites they use.
“The most critical step forward in establishing enhanced vetting of foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States,” the official told Hill TV. “As we’ve seen around the world in recent years, social media can be a major forum for terrorist sentiment and activity. This will be a vital tool to screen out terrorists, public safety threats, and other dangerous individuals from gaining immigration benefits and setting foot on U.S. soil.”
The social media identifiers will be incorporated into a background check review against watch lists generated by the U.S. government and applicants will also be required in the future to turn more extensive information on their travel history.
