ADVERTISEMENT

Applicants now required to list their social media handles as part of the application process

Alongside an applicant's contact details requirement for U.S visa application is five years worth of social media handles and biographical information.

___6792156___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___6792156___2017___6___6___14___nophonezone2

The questionnaire was rolled out in response to President Donald Trump's March 6 memo mandating enhanced visa screening.

Five years worth of social media handles and biographical information (like passport numbers, addresses and travel histories)in addition to a person's contact details are some of the important information required to apply for the visa.

The new questions, part of an effort to tighten vetting of would-be visitors to the United States, was approved on May 23 by the Office of Management and Budget despite criticism from a range of education officials and academic groups during a public comment period.

ADVERTISEMENT

The plan has already raised concerns of civil liberties advocates, who fear travellers who pose no terrorist threat may be stigmatised for their political or religious views. More so, the new questions would be overly burdensome, lead to long delays in processing and discourage international students and scientists from coming to the United States.

According to the US official, consular officers can now demand extra information from applicants they deem to require “more rigorous national security vetting.”

“Such visa applicants will be asked to provide additional information, including their social media handles, prior passport numbers, additional information about family members, and a longer history of past travel, employment, and contact information,” Ms Camille Dawson said.

Nevertheless, she added, these changes will “affect only a fraction of one percent of the more than 13 million annual visa applicants worldwide.”

She added that consular officers will not ask for social media passwords, interact with individuals on social media, or attempt to circumvent their privacy settings.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to the president of the Iranian American Bar Association, Babak Yousefzadeh, “The United States has one of the most stringent visa application processes in the world. The need for tightening the application process further is really unknown and unclear.”

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

10 latest senator styles for men

10 latest senator styles for men

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT