Travelers heading to the United States from over 30 countries might soon be required to share their social media activity from the past five years prior to entry.
A recent proposal from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, submitted on Tuesday, calls for social media assessments of potential visitors applying for electronic travel authorizations. This system allows individuals from 42 countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
This new requirement could take effect as early as next year, just in time for the influx of foreign visitors expected for the World Cup soccer matches.
Currently, applicants from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to pay a $40 fee and provide their home address, phone number, email, and emergency contact information.
The updated guidelines would ask applicants to disclose all personal and business phone numbers from the last five years, as well as personal and business email addresses from the past decade. Additionally, they would need to provide details such as names, dates of birth, places of birth, and contact addresses of next of kin.
Participating countries in the Visa Waiver Program include Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
The Trump administration has also mandated “online immigration screening” for those applying for H-1B visas—these are for skilled foreign workers and their families.
Furthermore, professors, researchers, and trainees who seek student visas or come to the U.S. through educational and cultural exchange programs will face social media screening as well.
A communication from the State Department in June advised visa processing officials to be vigilant for any indications of “hostility toward the people, culture, government, institutions, or foundational principles of the United States.” They were also instructed to look out for any support or advocacy related to foreign terrorists or threats to U.S. national security and any involvement in unlawful anti-Semitic harassment or violence.
Additionally, starting October 1 of this year, a new $250 visa fee has been imposed on travelers from countries like Brazil, China, India, and Mexico that do not participate in the Visa Waiver Program.
