The United States has introduced stricter rules for student visa applicants, making social media screening mandatory.
The new policy, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to identify possible connections to terrorist activities, even requiring consular officers to save screenshots of problematic posts in case files.
The directive applies to new and renewed F, M, and J visas and has raised concerns about privacy and free speech, particularly among students expressing pro-Palestinian views. Critics worry this policy could disproportionately target individuals for their political opinions or cultural expression.
Some students have already faced visa cancellations due to suspected affiliations with Hamas, heightening fears of biased enforcement. Activists and privacy advocates warn that such measures may stifle free expression and create an atmosphere of unwarranted scrutiny for international students.
