LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — The U.S. is reopening its doors to international students—but only if they’re willing to open up their social media accounts, too.
Under a new State Department policy rolled out June 18, all student and exchange visitor visa applicants in the F, M, and J categories must set their social media profiles to “public” as part of expanded national security screening.
The department described the change as part of a “comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence,” to identify applicants “who pose a threat to U.S. national security.”
“The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests,” the department said.
Visa interviews, which were paused in May, are now set to resume at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
The State Department emphasized that “a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”
More than one million international students currently study in the U.S., including thousands at Michigan colleges and universities, according to National Public Radio. The new policy takes effect immediately.