SINGAPORE: The United States’ recent move to tighten social media screening for international student visas has left many applicants feeling uncertain and anxious. Following a month-long suspension, student visa appointments will resume, albeit under stricter guidelines that require applicants to make their social media accounts public.
The New Vetting Process
According to an internal cable dated 18 June 2024, US consular officers have been instructed to conduct ‘comprehensive and thorough vetting’ of all foreign student and exchange visitor applicants. This includes identifying individuals who may express ‘hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.’
- Applicants who refuse to unlock their social media accounts risk rejection.
- The Trump administration had previously halted new visa appointments on 27 May 2024 to prepare for this expanded social media vetting.
- Applicants are encouraged to highlight ‘safe’ content—like personal posts—while avoiding political discussions that could be deemed critical of US policies.
Student Reactions
Many prospective students and those renewing visas have turned to online forums for guidance. A Swedish student, in the midst of their visa renewal process, expressed confusion over the new requirements:
“I’ve deleted many political posts, but I’m unsure if this is enough. Should I now just deactivate my accounts?”
Another student added, “I don’t know how much the officers can discover if my accounts are private or don’t use my real name. It’s all quite unclear!” This uncertainty reflects the growing anxiety about how the US will scrutinise social media accounts.
Expert Opinions
Academics warn that this new social media vetting process could lead to a chilling effect on free speech. Dr Tracy Loh, a senior lecturer at Singapore Management University, noted:
“This creates a chilling effect and constitutes censorship,”
while calling the practice an unfortunate step towards bias and discrimination by the US.
With growing scrutiny over digital footprints, Associate Professor Brian Lee Chin Hin from the Singapore University of Social Sciences cautioned:
“Last-minute mass deletion of accounts may appear suspicious to immigration officers. It’s better to remove the most sensitive content rather than try to erase everything. And remember, creating a new account just before applying will likely seem staged.”
Potential Implications
As the US ramps up its vetting measures, the ripple effects may reach other countries, potentially leading to similar online surveillance practices. Experts agree that the imposition of stringent vetting requirements could not only impact applicants but also set a concerning precedent for international discourse.