The United States has announced that people who apply for visas—whether for permanent residency, work, or study—will now face stricter screening of their social media activities. If applicants have shared posts that are anti-American, hateful, or linked to extremist ideologies, they may be denied a visa. This new move has created concern among immigration lawyers, as it marks another step by the US administration to make immigration rules tougher.
Social Media Under Strict Check
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), every applicant’s activities—including their posts on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and other platforms—will be checked during the US visa process.
On Tuesday, August 19, USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser confirmed the new policy through an official press release.
He said:
“যারা দেশকে ঘৃণা করে এবং আমেরিকা-বিরোধী মতাদর্শ প্রচার করে তাদের আমেরিকার সুবিধা দেয়া উচিত নয়।”
Translation: “Those who hate the country and promote anti-American ideologies should not be given the benefits of America.”
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Concerns Among Lawyers
This announcement has already caused fear and concern among immigration and legal experts. Many believe the rule is vague and could be applied broadly, putting applicants at risk of being denied visas simply for critical opinions on US policies.
USCIS Policy Update
The updated immigration guidelines state that officials can now check if applicants have:
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Any links with anti-American or terrorist organizations
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Any record of anti-Semitic activities
This is seen as a direct expansion of existing background checks.
Expansion of Social Media Screening
In June, during the Trump administration, the US had already introduced social media verification for immigration screening.
Now, the rule has been expanded to specifically search for anti-American activities online.
Recent Visa Cancellations
On Monday, August 18, a senior US official revealed that the State Department canceled more than 6,000 student visas this year alone.
Earlier in June, the State Department also instructed US embassies and consulates worldwide to carefully review student visa applicants for any:
“আমাদের নাগরিক, সংস্কৃতি, সরকার, প্রতিষ্ঠান বা প্রতিষ্ঠাতা নীতির প্রতি শত্রুতাপূর্ণ মনোভাব।”
Translation: “Hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.”
Stricter Immigration Controls Ahead
Experts warn that this is just one of many upcoming steps by the US government to tighten immigration laws. These measures may discourage immigrants, workers, and international students from applying to live or study in the United States.
Source: Channel 24
