US Tightens Visa Rules: Social Media Posts Could Now Deny You Entry

The United States has announced stricter measures for nonimmigrant visa applicants, drawing widespread debate across social media.

In a newly released directive, the U.S. Embassy confirmed that applicants for F, M, and J visas — covering students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors — must now set their social media profiles to ‘public’ as part of the visa vetting process.

According to embassy officials, the move aims to strengthen identity verification and assess applicants’ eligibility under U.S. immigration law.

The most striking aspect of the policy is that applicants can be denied entry based on the content of their posts. Specifically, any posts that glorify violence, promote ethnic cleansing, or justify atrocities for political or religious reasons could result in immediate disqualification.

The decision has triggered mixed reactions among prospective travelers, particularly Nigerian students and professionals seeking to study or work in the U.S. While some have criticized the rule as invasive and a form of digital surveillance, others argue it is a necessary step to enhance national security.