Washington reopens student and visitors visas .. Control over the content of communication platforms

The US State Department announced the resumption of granting student and visitors visas (from F, M, J, J), after its suspension since last May, as part of a broad review of the security examination standards. She emphasized that the new procedures require an unprecedented level of scrutiny in the digital activity of applicants, including their accounts on social media.

According to an official book issued by the US State Department, American diplomatic missions around the world were directed to a comprehensive examination of the presence of digital applicants, in order to monitor any indications of hostile directions towards American citizens or values.

Under the new directives, the applicants will be asked to make their accounts completely public, as the official evidence considered that the restriction of privacy might be interpreted as an attempt to hide suspicious content.

The directives were not limited to the networks, but also included the use of advanced research tools to monitor the entire digital presence, including political opinions, extremist affiliations, or content that contradict the foreign policy of the United States, such as supporting the Palestinian issue or criticizing Israel, which may lead directly to the visa refusing.

The suspension of the granting of visas is due to a decision taken by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio in May, with a temporary cessation of the issuance of visas pending the examinations of the examination, and has since been canceled hundreds and perhaps thousands of visas, including student requests, for reasons related to political activity.

The Foreign Ministry indicated that the immediate application of these procedures will take place within five working days, while giving priority to some groups such as doctors and university students in which the percentage of international students is less than 15%.

The statement stressed that the entry visa to the United States is a privilege, and that every decision regarding it relates to American national security. She stressed that the process aims to protect American citizens and national interests, by ensuring that entry to anyone may pose a potential threat.