Marco Rubio Orders U.S. Embassies to Screen Social Media of Visa Applicants
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American embassies worldwide to begin screening the social media activity of certain visa applicants — particularly students and others seeking entry into the United States — according to The New York Times.
Rubio’s directive, issued via a lengthy diplomatic cable on March 25, came after a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, which aim to deport foreign nationals deemed hostile to American values, culture, or institutions.
The new guidelines reportedly target individuals suspected of expressing criticism against the United States or Israel, effectively barring them from entering the country.
One major focus will be foreign students who participated in campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, under Trump’s recently signed order combatting what he termed “antisemitism.” Rubio’s cable emphasizes mandatory social media reviews for these applicants, referring them to Fraud Prevention Units at consulates and embassies.
In a prior CBS interview, Rubio stated:
“We don’t want people in our country who commit crimes or undermine our national security or public safety… especially those here as guests. That’s the whole point of a visa.”
