Kathmandu. The U.S. Embassy has issued new guidelines on visa rules. Under this, those applying for a student visa will now have to provide information about their social media accounts.
The US Embassy in India has asked applicants to share all social media usernames and handles used in the last five years. It also warned that failure to do so could lead to cancellation of visa applications.
What is social media checking?
Checking social media means conducting an in-depth review of the visa applicant’s online activities. So that they can be determined whether they are eligible to enter america or not. Social networks include platforms like Facebook, X, LinkedIn and TikTok.
The move is being seen as part of the Trump administration’s policy. Under this, surveillance and control over international students has been tightened. The Trump administration has begun to take more drastic measures, especially after the increase in pro-Palestinian protests in American universities.
What are F, M and J visas?
The F visa is mainly for students enrolled in universities, colleges and other educational institutions.
The M visa is for non-academic students studying in technical or vocational schools.
On the other hand, j visas are given to visitors who participate in accredited cultural or educational exchange programs.
What are people saying on social media?
There has been a lot of reaction on social media about this decision. Political scientist and author Ian Bremer wrote, “Now it is mandatory for those applying for student visas (F, M and J categories) in the UNITED States to make all their social media profiles ‘public’. ’
U.S. officials said it was part of an additional investigation process. The aim is to identify applicants who may pose a “threat to U.S. national security.”
One user sarcastically wrote, “Now the social media posts of international students in the US will be checked to approve their visa applications.” It is believed that soon tourists may also have to follow the same rules. In such a situation, it looks like I won’t be able to travel to america anytime soon. ’
Another user wrote, “Whether it’s a U.S. visa application or a global opportunity, your social network has now become your digital biodata. Everything you post online with just one search becomes part of your identity. So make your profile tell your future story, not stop it. ’
Another response asked, “Is checking social media accounts during the US visa process really for security purposes or is it just a means of data mining?” Is the entire system just a game of data collection and monitoring?” -Translated from the BBC
