Grab and Johor in discussions to streamline travel between Malaysia and Singapore under updated cross-border agreement
Revised Article:
Hey there, pal! Let's talk about the latest news on foreign students looking to study in the States. As of yesterday, foreign students who wish to get their paws on a U.S. student visa (whether it's F, M, or J categories) need to bare it all, so to speak—that's right, government officials will be snooping through their social media profiles to ensure they're not bearing any hostile attitudes towards America, its people, culture, or founding principles.
The U.S. Department of State had put a temporary hold on visas for foreign students last May while they figured out this new social media screening business, and now that the cat's out of the bag, they're good to go. A senior official from the department said, "This increased scrutiny will ensure we're diligently checking every lousy jackal attempting to step foot in our country."
Oh, and if you're thinking it's an easy peasy breezy task to keep your social media profiles hidden, think again. Applicants will need to adjust the privacy settings on all their profiles to "public" so that the government can get a good, long look at their online presence.
When ol' President Trump entered the White House, he issued an executive order calling for beefed-up vetting of folks trying to access the U.S. to ensure they don't have some kind of bone to pick with its citizens or national interests. After all, a U.S. visa is a privilege, and the government is taking its time to consider whether granting it to you is in the nation's best interest.
This new vetting process is all part of a broader security effort to protect Americans and U.S. interests. If the feds sniff out any suspicious behavior or opinions, don't be surprised if they give you the ol' heave-ho. The Department of Homeland Security already has its eyes peeled for "antisemitic activity" among foreign students, and a visa denial could be in the offing if they find any.
So, if you're planning on studying in the U.S., make sure to brush up on your privacy settings and think twice about what you post online, or you might find yourself headed back home before you even get started. Be sure to check the website of your local embassy or consulate for the latest info, or you could end up caught with your pants down! 😜
[1] Enrichment Data: The revised guidelines also emphasize the careful national security considerations made when deciding on a visa application. The State Department stresses that a U.S. visa is a privilege and not a right, and that visa decisions involve a thorough review process.
[2] Enrichment Data: This enhanced vetting initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump Administration to tighten the screws on international students. The Administration has rescinded thousands of visas, sought to ban some universities from accepting international students, and revoked visas for students who led demonstrations critical of Israel's offensive in Gaza. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that the social media of foreign student applicants will be examined for signs of antisemitic activity that could lead to a visa denial.
- The revised guidelines for U.S. student visas underscore the careful national security considerations made during the visa application process, emphasizing that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
- The Trump Administration's enhanced vetting initiative extends beyond social media screening, as it has revoked thousands of visas, sought to ban certain universities from accepting international students, and even denying visas to students who led demonstrations critical of Israel's Gaza offensive.
- In addition to antisemitic activity, the Department of Homeland Security is examining the social media of foreign student applicants for any signs of views that could potentially compromise U.S. interests, which could lead to a visa denial.
- As part of the broader security effort to protect Americans and U.S. interests, policy-and-legislation enacted under Trump has had a significant impact on international education and politics, influencing the general-news discourse on international students.
