Kenyans to share all social media handles dating back five years when applying for US visas
In June, the US Department of State announced increased vetting and screening measures to deter illegal entry into the country
Kenyans applying United States visas will need to list their social media information for each and every platform.
In a statement, the the US embassy in Nairobi said the social media details dating back the last five years should be indicated on the DS-160 Visa application form.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 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 embassy announced.
The embassy warned that omitting social media information could lead to denial of visa or ineligibility for future applications.
“Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial or ineligibility for future US visas,” they warned.
The new directive is part of enhancements to the screening process established to safeguard national security and public interests.
In June, the US Department of State announced increased vetting and screening measures to deter illegal entry into the North American nation, where they directed visa applicants who set their social media account settings to private, to readjust them to public to allow for in-depth analysis and determination on whether their entry to the US is warranted or not.
“The State Department is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” it announced.
“We use all available information in our Visa screening and vetting to identify Visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security. Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications,” it added.
These are part of the directives by President Donald Trump to curb illegal immigration, a policy that was extensively referenced when he ran for a second term in office during which he has launched a massing deportation programme targeting those illegally staying in the US.
