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US To Require Social Media Scrutiny for Certain Types of Visa Applicants

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By John Su/John Van Trieste

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The US's de facto embassy in Taiwan has announced new rules for certain visa-seekers, requiring that they make their social media accounts public. And a similar rule could be on the way for people visiting the US visa-free.

Title: US Adds Social Media Checks to Visa Rules

 

REPORTER:  

The American Institute in Taiwan – the US’ de facto embassy here – says new rules for five US visa categories are on the way. From December 15, visa-seekers from every country will have to make their social media accounts public. The State Department says the new rule is about ensuring national security.

 

But even for Taiwanese people already in the US, the latest rule change is yet another barrier to chasing an “American Dream.”

 

Hsu Wei-han (US-BASED TAIWAN NATIONAL):  

First, they proposed making you apply for visa status changes within the US or else they’d charge a high application fee. Now they also want to make you open up your social media accounts even if you already have a visa or you’re applying for a work visa or want to convert one to a Green Card. It’s going to put a lot of psychological pressure on people.

 

REPORTER:  

It’s the latest move in the Trump administration’s push for stricter immigration controls. Analysts say it’s in line with other recent policies aimed at keeping people it doesn’t want in the US out.

 

Li Da-jung (TAMKANG UNIVERSITY):  

In the past few months the Trump administration has put lots of pressure on certain US universities for instance, saying the number of foreign students can’t exceed a certain proportion especially when they come from one country. And secondly, it doesn’t want people who are anti-Israel, anti-Semitic or extremist to enter the US and study. They are listed as unwelcome. So the administration’s taking action from many angles.

 

REPORTER:  

And a similar rule could be coming for tourists—even those who don’t need a visa. Under a new proposal, officials could make visitors give a five-year social media history before letting them in. There’s already been a noticeable drop in tourists to the US this year, worrying those in the travel industry. This all comes just months before the US is set to co-host the World Cup.

 

There is a new, easier route into the country, though. For those who can afford it, President Trump has announced the Gold Card -- a million US dollar visa he says will be a fast-track to citizenship.

 

But for regular people looking to come to the US to work, study or live, the message from Washington is clear—the vetting will now go beyond just paperwork and interviews.

 

John Su and John Van Trieste for TaiwanPlus.