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U.S. State Department Imposes Mandatory Social Media Screening for Visa Applicants
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The new regulations aim to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a potential threat to national security or American values, according to U.S. State Department officials in Washington
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued strict instructions to American embassies worldwide, mandating scrutiny of social media accounts for visa applicants, particularly students.
According to The New York Times, U.S. officials confirmed that the move is intended to block individuals who criticize U.S. or Israeli policies.
The directives were sent in a detailed diplomatic cable to U.S. missions on March 25, just weeks after President Donald Trump signed executive orders launching a mass deportation campaign targeting foreigners who may hold "hostile views" toward "American values or institutions."
Trump also announced a crackdown on "anti-Semitism," including the deportation of students involved in university protests against Israel’s war on Gaza.
Rubio’s cable stipulated that "certain student visa applicants and others must be referred to the Fraud Prevention Unit for mandatory screening of their social media records."
The Fraud Prevention Unit in U.S. embassies and consulates reviews visa applications, with the cable outlining general criteria for rejection. It cited Rubio’s remarks in a March 16 interview with CBS News, where he stated:
"We don’t want people in our country who commit crimes or threaten our national security."
He added:
"It’s that simple, especially for those entering as guests. That’s the essence of the visa system."
The cable also identified specific categories for scrutiny, including:
Individuals suspected of ties to terrorism.
Holders of student or exchange visas between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024.
Those whose visas expired during that period.
The specified dates indicate that one of the main targets of the screening is students who expressed solidarity with Palestinians during the recent war.
Additionally, the cable noted that "visas may be denied to those displaying hostility toward Americans or their culture, including criticism of the government or its institutions."
