US to Start Social Media Vetting for H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants
US to Start Social Media Vetting for H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants
US expands social media screening for H-1B and H-4 visa seekers, with potential expansion to tourists, raising privacy and processing questions.
A new wave of security checks is coming to US visa applications. The policy would require social media histories from H-1B and H-4 visa seekers, and there are signals it could extend to tourists in the coming months. The review window is typically the past five years and could affect decisions on work and family visas.
Officials say the vetting is about national security and risk assessment, not punishing applicants. Privacy advocates warn about expanding scrutiny of personal online lives and potential biases. The rules could force applicants to make more of their online profiles public for inspection.
Applicants may be asked for social media handles or usernames; in some cases, public posts could be reviewed. The policy could lead to longer processing times and additional uncertainty for many applicants.
What applicants should do now: review online presence, ensure accuracy of information, and seek counsel for handling social media disclosures.
