FREE DOWNLOAD: Click Here To Download The Employers Guide to the H-1B Process.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Click Here To Download The Employers Guide to the H-1B Process.
Trumpification Adds Social Media Profile Requirement

In response to the Trumpification of America’s immigration policy, the Department is also adding several additional questions for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants.

In response to the Trumpification of America’s immigration policy, the Department is also adding several additional questions for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants:

  • Applicants will be required provide any identifiers used by applicants for a list of multiple social media platforms during the five years preceding the date of application;
  • Applicants will also be given the option to provide information about any social media identifiers associated with any platforms other than those that are listed that the applicant has used in the last five years;
  • Applicants will be required provide five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses, and international travel;
  • Applicants will be required provide whether the applicant has been deported or removed from any country; and
  • Whether specified family members have been involved in terrorist activities.

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to alter its collection methods for both non-immigrant visa application methods:

  • The online version (form DS-160) which is used by the vast majority of applications
  • The paper version of form DS-160 (form DS-156) which is used in limited circumstances
  • The Electronic Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (DS-260) which is used to collect biographical information from individuals seeking an immigrant visa.

Currently, the online application (form DS-160) and paper application (form DS-156) are approved under two separate collections. With this renewal, the Department seeks to combine these into a single collection. Upon approval, the Department will seek to discontinue OMB collection for form DS-156.

Additionally, some E-nonimmigrant visa (E2, E3) applicants will be asked whether the principal treaty trader was issued a visa. The “Sign and Submit” statement will provide applicants additional information related to correcting records within Federal Bureau of Investigation databases. Finally, the revised visa application forms will include additional information regarding the visa medical examination that some applicants may be required to undergo.

The Department will collect this information from visa applicants for identity resolution and vetting purposes based on statutory visa eligibility standards. However, the Department intends not to routinely ask the question of applicants for specific visa classifications, such as most diplomatic and official visa applicants.

Contact a San Francisco Immigration Lawyer

Are you confused by the ever-changing landscape of the Trumpification of America’s immigration policy?

Contact an experienced immigration law attorney at Litwin & Smith. Led by a certified specialist in immigration, our team of immigration and naturalization attorneys can assist you and your family with all of your business and personal immigration needs.

See FR Doc. 2018-06496; FR Doc. 2018-06490; Trump Is Thumping H1B Filings

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