The Trump administration has initiated a new rule concerning H-1B visas intended for highly skilled professionals. These visas are crucial for the American technology sector, which actively attracts talent from countries such as India and China.
As part of the new policy, distributed on December 2 to all American diplomatic missions, consular officers are instructed to carefully scrutinize the resumes and LinkedIn profiles not only of the applicants themselves but also of their immediate family members accompanying them on their trip. Special attention is given to work experience in areas related to the spread of disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance, and cybersecurity.
If consular officers discover that an applicant has been involved in censorship or attempts to suppress free speech in the U.S., they are advised to deny the visa application.
Although the new rules apply to all types of visas, particular focus will be on H-1B visas, as their holders often work in the technology sector, including social media and financial services. The professional history of such applicants will be examined to identify any potential involvement in activities related to the suppression of free speech.
These requirements will apply to both new applicants and those reapplying for a visa.
The Trump administration emphasizes free speech, especially in the context of the alleged suppression of conservative voices online, which has become one of the key themes of their foreign policy.
In May, the U.S. Secretary of State announced the possibility of banning visa issuance to those engaged in censoring American opinions, including on social media, and hinted that this could apply to foreign officials controlling American tech companies.
Additionally, the Trump administration has significantly tightened scrutiny for student visa applicants, instructing consular officers to analyze social media for hostile statements towards the U.S.
The H-1B visa is intended for highly skilled professionals, and it is available to workers who have received job offers from American companies.
