The Trump administration has increased vetting for H-1B visa applicants, directing US consular officers to review applicants’ resumes and social media profiles for any work connected to censorship of protected speech.
An internal State Department cable says applicants involved in activities such as content moderation, fact-checking, misinformation work, or online safety could be deemed ineligible.
The policy applies to all visa categories but calls for heightened scrutiny of H-1B applicants, many of whom work in tech. The move aligns with the administration’s focus on free speech and its claims of online suppression of conservative voices.
The new rules follow earlier measures tightening visa vetting, including social-media screening and higher H-1B fees.
