The United States announced on Thursday that it will expand the review of social media accounts belonging to foreign nationals applying for visas, including foreign journalists, as part of the stricter immigration policies promoted by President Donald Trump.
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, shared on X an article from the Daily Signal stating that the Department of State expanded social media screening to additional types of visas for foreign applicants.
“The review of online profiles is intended to allow applicants to demonstrate that they meet the requirements to obtain a visa under U.S. law and to ensure that no individual represents a threat to the security of the United States,” a State Department spokesperson said in an email to AFP.
Social Media Screening Already Applies to Several Visa Categories
This measure is already being applied to several types of visas for entering the United States, including those for foreign students and cultural exchange participants, who are required to adjust their profile settings to make their accounts public.
Starting now, the policy will also apply to foreign journalists and certain citizens from Mexico and Canada.
The measure has been criticized by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which argue that it raises concerns regarding the protection of personal privacy.
Stricter Immigration Policies Under the Trump Administration
President Donald Trump has made the fight against illegal immigration one of his main priorities, carrying out large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants while also significantly restricting the legal entry of foreign citizens.
“Having a visa is a privilege, not a right,” has repeatedly stated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Additionally, under new regulations expected to take effect soon unless blocked by Congress, foreign journalists will be limited to stays of 240 days, or approximately eight months, in U.S. territory. However, they will be able to request renewals for additional periods of the same length.
Source: eleconomista
