The directive, which is effective immediately, aims to improve the vetting process.
On Monday, June 23, the United States embassy in India announced a new directive mandating that all applicants for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas must set their social media profiles to public.
This directive, which is effective immediately, aims to improve the vetting process by providing consular officers and Department of Homeland Security personnel with easier access to online activities for the purposes of identity verification and admissibility evaluations.
The requirement encompasses all platforms specified in the visa application process and seeks to enhance transparency regarding applicants’ backgrounds. While US officials contend that this measure bolsters national security, privacy advocates are likely to express concerns regarding surveillance, freedom of expression, and the potential misuse of personal data. The F, M, and J visa categories are frequently utilized by students, vocational trainees, and participants in academic exchange programs entering the United States.
