The U.S. is enhancing its vetting process for H-1B visa applicants, particularly those in fields related to misinformation and disinformation, requiring all applicants and their dependants to make their social media profiles public. This measure is intended to ensure applicants do not pose a threat to national interests. The U.S. Department of State has directed consular staff to scrutinize LinkedIn and employment history for ties to content moderation and censorship of free speech.
This shift marks a departure from the past, where the State Department supported overseas fact-checking initiatives. Under the Trump administration, policies have been implemented to combat perceived censorship, particularly against conservative voices. The rules will also affect family members and those renewing their visas, with an emphasis on disqualifying applicants connected to censorship activities. The approach raises questions about the U.S. relationship with allies that have stricter content regulations.
