US Tightens Social Media Screening for Visa Applicants Amid Criticism Over Israel

The U.S. State Department has instructed American diplomats to examine the social media profiles of certain visa seekers with the aim of possibly denying visas to individuals who criticize both the United States and Israel, as stated in a recent New York Times article published on Tuesday.

A March 25 cable instructed consular officers to refer certain student and exchange visitor visa applicants for a mandatory social media check.

The guideline permits authorities to reject a visa application if the individual's internet behavior demonstrates a "hostile stance towards American citizens or United States culture," according to the report, which cited anonymous U.S. officials.

This action comes after earlier steps taken during ex-President Donald Trump’s tenure aimed at foreign individuals, such as students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses.

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has strongly advocated for these policies, announced earlier this week that more than 300 visas have been canceled recently. "We provide you with a visa so you can study... not to transform into an activist causing unrest on our college campuses," he informed journalists.

It is said that this policy has resulted in detentions and deportations. Last week, Turkish PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk was apprehended by ICE officials. According to her attorney, she may have been singled out due to her involvement as a co-author in an academic journal piece criticizing Israel’s conduct and advocating for Palestinian rights.

A representative from the State Department verified that since 2019, visa seekers have been obligated to share their social media details. However, they refrained from commenting directly on the directive issued in March.

The post The U.S. requires social media screenings for visa applicants amid criticisms from the U.S. and Israel. appeared first on English - Morocco News .

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