The United States reopened the visa application process for students who want to continue their studies two weeks ago. This after the process was suspended at the end of May in accordance with the directive given by President Donald Trump. The latest statement from the US Embassy in India is that F, M and J visa applicants for the purpose of continuing their studies must unlock or open their social media accounts for public viewing.
This is to enable review of the content uploaded by the applicants. President Trump had previously complained that foreign students were not grateful for the content of social media that hated the United States. This action was taken after several pro-Palestinian demonstrations were organized by student groups on campuses across the country and were attended by foreign students.
Wisma Putra also issued an order not to allow Malaysian students to participate in these demonstrations for security reasons because some students were arrested and later suspended from participating in academic sessions.
Since 2017, the US embassy has been requesting information on all social media accounts, phone numbers, passport numbers and email addresses used by visa applicants. In addition, their travel history, employment and residential addresses for the past fifteen years are also requested. This information is needed to verify the identity of the applicant and is a stricter screening measure to ensure the security of the US due to terrorist threats.