WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, the State Department announced it is resuming the halted process for international students applying for visas. However, all candidates must now make their social media profiles accessible for government scrutiny.

The department stated that consular officers would be examining posts and communications that may be perceived as antagonistic towards the U.S., including its government, culture, institutions, or founding ideals.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the department revealed it has revoked its May suspension of student visa processing. Nonetheless, it mentioned that new applicants who refuse to make their social media profiles “public” for review might face rejection. It indicated that such refusal could suggest an attempt to bypass the requirement or conceal their online activities.

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