The US government has introduced stricter rules for those applying for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas, which are typically given to international students and exchange visitors. Under the new guidelines from the State Department, all applicants must set their social media profiles to “public” so officials can review them during the visa process.
The US State Department said, “We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security. Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications.”
Authorities said that a visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and warned that breaking any laws after receiving a visa could result in it being revoked. They stressed that vetting does not stop after the visa is issued.
The US embassy in India added on June 16 that the country “will not tolerate” anyone involved in illegal or mass immigration. On June 10, it had stated that while the US welcomes genuine travelers, it “cannot and will not tolerate” illegal entry or visa misuse.
