The US Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday announced that Students from abroad can again apply for entry visas to the US. However, the condition is that they have their profiles on social networks set up as public and thus be checked in advance. Informed AP.
In the internal guidelines sent to consular officials, the ministry said they should pay attention to the activity, contributions and reports that show “any signs of hostility towards citizens, culture, government, institutions or the fundamental principles of the United States”.
New applicants who refuse to set up their accounts on social networks as public could be rejected. According to the ministry, their negative attitude could be a sign that they are trying to bypass this request or hide their online activity.
Trump’s administration in May temporarily suspended the publication of visas for students from abroad. The US Department of Foreign Affairs has ordered the embassies and consulates not to offer new dates for visa applications yet. Students around the world are now waiting for US consulates to announce new dates. Time is shortened because they have to book their way and secure accommodation before the start of the new academic year.
Foreign students are exposed to increased control from several sides in the US. In the spring, President Donald Trump’s government canceled permission to study thousands of students in the US, including those who have committed only traffic offenses. It has also extended the reasons on the basis of which their legal status can be abolished.
As part of the pressure campaign against Harvard University, Trump’s administration tried to prevent foreign students from being approximately a quarter of all students, attending this prestigious school. Trump demanded that the university limit the number of foreign students to 15 percent.
Trump’s government has also called on 36 countries to improve passengers’ testing, otherwise they are at risk of being banned from entering the United States. The Guideline sent over the weekend by the Ministry of Diplomacy shows that these countries have 60 days to do so. Citizens currently have a ban on joining the US.
