The State Department has announced new measures aimed at enhancing the screening and vetting process for visa applicants, specifically targeting those in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure national security and public safety.
According to the department, "A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right." The enhanced procedures will include a comprehensive examination of applicants' online presence. Applicants for these visa categories will be required to set their social media profiles to "public" as part of the vetting process.
The department stated, "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 U.S. national security."
Visa applications for these categories will soon resume at overseas posts. Prospective applicants are advised to check with their respective embassies or consulates for appointment availability.
Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, the department noted that "Every visa adjudication is a national security decision." The goal is to ensure that individuals entering the United States do not pose threats and adhere strictly to their stated purpose of visit.