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Uncle Sam is watching: US visa rules now require 5 years of social media history
Kenyans wishing to travel to the US will need to provide links to their social media platforms.
The US has issued additional visa requirements for all applicants seeking to travel to the country.
In a statement, the US State Department said it will now strictly review applicants' social media accounts, and that failure to provide access to these could lead to visa denial.
While the department had announced expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants last month, the US Embassy in Nairobi reiterated this on Friday, reminding Kenyans that failure to complete the social media section could prevent them from getting visas.
“Applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” the US Embassy said.
This effectively means that for every Kenyan wishing to travel to the US, posts and comments they made on social media platforms will be used to determine their suitability for entry.
“Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future US visas,” the statement added.
According to the US Department of State, the new measures are meant to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to its national security.
The department also stressed that it will be conducting comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.”
This is among several new measures introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump to ensure that only approved individuals are allowed to enter the country.
