Summary
The United States is expanding its vetting process for H-1B visa applicants, focusing more on their social media and work history. This change aims to ensure applicants do not intend to harm US interests, especially those working in fields related to misinformation, disinformation, and censorship.
Key Facts
- The US will now check social media profiles of H-1B visa applicants and their family members.
- This rule also applies to those renewing their H-1B visas.
- The vetting process focuses on people working in areas like misinformation, content moderation, and social media.
- Applicants' LinkedIn and work history will be checked for involvement in suppressing free speech.
- The State Department's decision marks a change from previous US projects supporting fact-checking overseas.
- President Trump supports reducing restrictions on free speech, often seen as affecting conservative voices.
- Trump has signed an executive order against federal censorship of free speech.
- The State Department may bar foreign officials who work to suppress free speech from entering the US.
