The US applies new regulations on visa issuance for foreign students.

Foreign students applying for US visas will have to disclose their personal social media accounts so that consular officers can check for signs of 'hostility'.

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 "signs of hostility toward the citizens, 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 US national security, or support for unlawful anti-Semitic harassment or violence. Support for the militant group Hamas is one example.

The new regulations 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.

A series of 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 issuance 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