Social Media Details Mandatory for USA Visa Applicants ?

Now Trump Government wants to introduce mandatory review on social media, email addresses and phone numbers from some foreigners seeking US visas, as part of enhanced screening of potential immigrants and visitors. 

Notice was published in Federal Register and stated that it was seeking public comment on the requirement. But it also said is requesting a temporary go-ahead from the White House budget office so the plan can take effect for 180 days, beginning May 18, regardless of those public comments. 

The proposed requirements is an additional scrutiny, such as those who have traveled to areas controlled by terrorist organizations. As per estimation, this new rule would affect about 0.5 percent of total US visa applicants, or roughly 65,000 people.

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This new rules also would require applicants to provide 15 years of travel and work history and the names and dates of birth of all siblings, children and current and former spouses or partners.

Currently Visa applicants are now generally asked for only five years of travel and work history and are not asked for information about their siblings. 

All these rules are being modified to evaluate applicants for terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibility.

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Solution to affected applicants 

It is advised that 

1. Affected applicants would have to provide their social media handles and platforms used during the previous five years

2. Divulge all phone numbers and email addresses used during that period.

3. US consular officials would not seek social media passwords, and would not try to breach any privacy controls on applicants' accounts.