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The US Embassy in Manila has updated its advisory, requiring visa applicants from more categories to make their social media accounts public. Effective March 30, this policy applies to applicants for Fiancé(e), certain personal employees or domestic workers, trainee or special education exchange visitors, cultural and religious visitors, and informant, witness, and victims of crimes visas. The embassy uses this information to assess applicant eligibility, expanding on the existing requirement for students, exchanges, and specialty occupations.

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This policy builds on a 2019 requirement for visa applicants to provide their social media usernames on application forms. Applicants must list social media usernames used in the last five years and confirm the accuracy of their submissions. Missing or incorrect information could lead to visa denial, impacting future applications.

Reactions to this advisory highlight concerns regarding privacy and the implications for personal freedoms. Some experts worry that making social media accounts public could expose applicants to unwanted scrutiny, although the embassy asserts it enhances security and decision-making processes. The expanded requirements aim to enhance the vetting process amid global security concerns.

Looking forward, the embassy remains firm on its position, indicating that social media transparency will continue to be crucial in visa procedures. Applicants are advised to comply by adjusting privacy settings and ensuring complete and accurate social media information on their applications.

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Historically when nations have devolved from a democracy to a fascist republic, the first thing that goes is the ability to criticize and comment on government policy with any level of disapproval.

Trump is a very thin skinned man, he is a snowflake and he has a severe victim mentality, so criticism is not tolerated on any level. Typically presidents and leaders who are in public positions are able to dismiss criticism as just part and parcel of their job. Not poor Don. Everything offends that pathetic little creature.

Well hopefully I’ll be considered a normal visitor and not a cultural visitor. A bit confusing. 🫤

6 hours ago, jcmj said:

Well hopefully I’ll be considered a normal visitor and not a cultural visitor. A bit confusing. 🫤

If you're not an American by birthright you are a "cultural" visitor.

Even an American citizen with dual citizenship might be considered a "cultural" visitor.