美国收紧留学生签证审查：要求解锁社交媒体账号、查看申请人员网络活动

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of State has announced the resumption of visa processing for international students and exchange visitors, requiring applicants to unlock their social media accounts for government scrutiny, which raises concerns about uncertainty for foreign students and scholars wishing to study in the U.S. [1][3] Group 1: Visa Processing Changes - The U.S. State Department has issued a notice to embassies and consulates to resume processing international student and exchange visitor visa applications, mandating comprehensive scrutiny of applicants [3] - Applicants must set their social media accounts to public, and officials will document their online activities, including taking screenshots for evidence [3] - The review will focus on applicants perceived as having a hostile attitude towards the U.S., those supporting terrorism, or engaging in anti-Semitic harassment [3][4] Group 2: Impact on International Students - The new scrutiny measures may convey an unfriendly message to prospective international students, potentially deterring them from applying [4] - Refusal to comply with the review may be interpreted as an attempt to evade requirements or conceal online activities [4] - Legal experts advise against posting content that the U.S. government might consider a potential threat [4] Group 3: Administrative Challenges - The new review process is expected to significantly increase the workload for U.S. consular staff, who are already dealing with a backlog of visa applications [5][6] - In 2023, the U.S. issued 446,000 foreign student visas, and the extensive social media review may hinder timely processing [5][6] - The State Department has acknowledged that the new procedures will add considerable pressure on staff and has suggested reducing the number of visa applications processed [6] Group 4: Broader Implications - The stricter review process may lead to unnecessary delays and increase uncertainty, potentially damaging the U.S.'s reputation as a welcoming destination for global talent [6] - The U.S. government has also issued warnings to 36 countries regarding their visa processing standards, threatening to restrict entry for their citizens if improvements are not made [7]