US To Require Social Media Scrutiny for Certain Types of Visa Applicants

TaiwanPlus News

The US's de facto embassy in Taiwan has announced new rules for certain visa-seekers, requiring that they make their social media accounts public. And a similar rule could be on the way for people visiting the US visa-free.

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00:00The American Institute in Taiwan, the U.S.'s de facto embassy here,

00:04says new rules for five U.S. visa categories are on the way.

00:08From December 15th, visa seekers from every country

00:11will have to make their social media accounts public.

00:14The State Department says the new rule is about ensuring national security.

00:19But even for Taiwanese people already in the U.S.,

00:21the latest rule change is yet another barrier to chasing an American dream.

00:30It's the latest move in the Trump administration's push

00:50for stricter immigration controls.

00:52Analysts say it's in line with other recent policies

00:55aimed at keeping people it doesn't want in the U.S. out.

01:00And a similar rule could be coming for

01:29tourists, even those who don't need a visa.

01:32Under a new proposal, officials could make visitors

01:35give a five-year social media history before letting them in.

01:39There's already been a noticeable drop in tourists to the U.S. this year,

01:43worrying those in the travel industry.

01:45This all comes just months before the U.S. is set to co-host the World Cup.

01:50There is a new, easier route into the country, though,

01:53for those who can afford it.

01:54President Trump has announced the Gold Card,

01:57a million U.S. dollar visa he says will be a fast track to citizenship.

02:01But for regular people looking to come to the U.S. to work, study, or live,

02:05the message from Washington is clear.

02:08The vetting will now go beyond just paperwork and interviews.

02:11John Tsu and John Van Trieste for Taiwan Plus.

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