“My Facebook is private…”: US to review social media before issuing visas

Quisquijosa Embassy.- The United States has just confirmed that it will review the social media accounts of all visa applicants, in case you posted things during the last election campaign or included in your bio “I want to leave the country haha… but seriously.”

This was confirmed by the State Department after a tumultuous week in which several events occurred, from cancellations of study abroad appointments to Trump's ban on Harvard University accepting foreign students, because, of course, someone had to pay the price.

🔴 Are you applying for a visa to the U.S.? 🇺🇸 The U.S. Embassy confirmed that it will review your social media accounts as part of the process.

This measure applies to all applicants and seeks to identify potential national security risks. #USVisa #SocialMedia #USEmbassy #Immigration … pic.twitter.com/7mUIINiqSM

— Punto 4T (@Punto4T) May 29, 2025

Now you'll have to be careful what you say if you want your visa.

“ Security screening is conducted from the time of each application, through visa issuance, and subsequently throughout the validity period of each issued visa, to ensure the individual remains eligible to travel to the United States,” the U.S. Embassy in Mexico stated, referring to the applicants’ social media accounts.

While this had always been suspected (like that cousin who swore he was denied a visa for posting AMLO memes), it has now been formally confirmed by the government agency.

“Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide their social media handles on both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms. We use all available information in our screening and verification process. All visa applicants, regardless of visa type and location, undergo ongoing verification,” the Department of State added through its various embassies.

🇺🇸 #International | U.S. Embassy to review visa applicants' social media accounts

👉Applicants must provide usernames used on their platforms https://t.co/h0TrCgYzFr

— El Mexicano (@ElMexicanOnline) May 29, 2025

According to Marco Rubio, head of the State Department, "the goal of this measure is to strengthen security controls and prevent people considered risky from entering the country," which translates into massive stalking of anyone who wants to cross the border, even by plane.

“I want to make sure that foreign students are people who can love our country,” commented the much-loved American president (an adjective expressed genuinely, not because the scholarship recipient has a scheduled appointment).