The Trump administration is moving to require certain visa applicants to make their social media profiles publicly accessible so that consular officers can review their online activity as part of the vetting process. President Donald Trump has moved to expand visa screening to social media, targeting foreign journalists and students. Internal memos cited by The Daily Signal and amplified by White House press secretary Karoline Leavit indicate that applicants in targeted categories would be directed to change their privacy settings to “public” on platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram before their applications are processed. The directive would allow government officials to examine posts, likes, and personal connections during the review process. Who would be affected The policy is expected to apply to foreign media representatives, including African journalists and correspondents seeking US work or press visas, as well as certain applicants from Canada and Mexico. For Kenyan students pursuing US university placements, the practical effect would mean their entire digital history becoming accessible to immigration authorities before a decision is reached. Although the US State Department already collects social media handles from many student visa applicants, the new requirement goes further by mandating that the accounts themselves be open and visible during inspection. A State Department spokesperson said the agency continuously reviews its screening procedures to uphold national security and public safety standards, though an official confirmation of the memo has not been issued. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been unambiguous about the administration’s position, stating that “a visa is a privilege, not a right.” Tighter Limits on Stays for Students and Journalists
The social media screening push follows rules finalised in recent weeks that cap how long temporary visa holders may remain in the United States. International students, including Kenyans on F-1 visas, will now generally be admitted for a maximum of four years, tied to the duration of their academic programme, with extensions subject to heavier scrutiny. Foreign journalists holding I-visas face an even shorter initial window of 240 days, roughly eight months, with the possibility of extensions of a similar length. For Kenyan and other African students, the shortened timeline compresses the period available to complete degrees, pursue internships, or transition to work authorisation. Journalists covering US affairs now face considerably tighter deadlines on their assignments. Impact on African applicants The combined effect of social media scrutiny and reduced admission periods marks a notable departure from policies under previous administrations, which saw steady growth in African student and visitor numbers travelling to the United States. For many families across Kenya and the broader continent who have invested significant resources in preparing for US-based education or professional opportunities, the new measures introduce additional uncertainty at every stage of the application process.
