US to vet social media of foreign journalists applying for visas, report says
The expansion adds media representatives and some workers from Canada and Mexico as officials cite national security and visa eligibility concerns.
- On Thursday, a report citing an internal memo indicated the State Department is expanding social media vetting to foreign journalists and specific workers from Canada and Mexico, though the department declined to confirm the specifics.
- Since beginning his second term in January 2025, President Donald Trump has increasingly used online speech as a factor in immigration decisions, integrating digital surveillance into broader enforcement strategies.
- A State Department spokesperson said "online presence vetting" ensures visa eligibility, adding that "Officers use a variety of methods to make informed decisions that protect national security, prevent fraud and ensure a thorough review of applicants."
- The administration has previously revoked visas for foreign nationals over comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and for students engaged in pro-Palestinian activism, signaling a pattern of visa status use.
- Following last month's Department of Homeland Security rule changes tightening journalist duration limits, the unclear implementation timeline for this new social media policy leaves foreign journalists uncertain about their future status in the United States.
17 Articles
17 Articles
On Thursday, the United States reported expanding the control of social networks of foreign nationals applying for visas.
US moves to expand vetting of social media for visa applicants
The US government reportedly plans to expand vetting of the social media accounts of visa applicants, including foreign journalists, as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The post US moves to expand vetting of social media for visa applicants appeared first on Vanguard News.
Trump Expands Social Media Vetting for More Foreign Visas
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The State Department is expanding its social media vetting requirement to include applicants for more types of visas, according to an internal memo obtained by the Daily Signal. Last June, the State Department said student visa applicants with private social media accounts will be required to make their accounts public for...
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