US Proposes Social Media Visa Checks

The United States is proposing new measures to restrict entry for foreign visitors, including mandatory social media history checks for those entering under the Visa Waiver Program. This proposal, initiated by the United States — United States Department of Homeland Security and United States — United States Customs and Border Protection, requires travelers from approximately 40 countries to provide five years of social media history. These actions are part of a broader series of restrictions from the Donald Trump administration, which also includes a planned travel ban for around 30 countries. The policies are being justified by concerns over national security, particularly following a shooting incident involving an Afghan national, which Donald Trump and his allies have used to blame the Joe Biden administration and push for tighter immigration limits. The United States — United States Department of State has also expanded social media review requirements for H-1B and student visas. These measures are projected to cause a sharp decline in foreign visitors and tourism spending, with the U.S. Travel Association forecasting a significant loss in travel revenue for the United States, making it the only one of 184 global economies projected to lose tourism dollars this year according to the World Travel and Tourism Council and Oxford Economics.