Washington Extends Public Profile Requirement to Foreign Journalists

In a significant policy shift, the United States has extended its public‑profile mandate to foreign journalists seeking entry on I‑visas. Starting Wednesday, these applicants must configure all social‑media accounts so that they are visible without a login.

The directive, issued by the State Department, also applies to non‑immigrant categories such as H‑1B specialists, H‑4 dependents, H‑3 trainees, and a range of student visas (A‑1, M‑1). It aligns with existing rules that already require public access for diplomatic, religious and cultural exchange visa holders.

Consular officers will now have direct access to applicants' online activity, which the department says will aid in assessing potential threats to national or public safety. While the agency did not specify which types of posts might affect a visa decision, it emphasized that the overall objective is to ensure that individuals entering the United States do not intend to harm American interests.

The change comes as U.S. authorities increasingly rely on digital footprints during immigration vetting, expanding the pool of people subjected to this heightened level of scrutiny.