The U.S. Department of State has expanded its social media screening requirements to cover foreign journalists and certain nationals from Mexico and Canada, according to an internal document highlighted Thursday by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Under the new rules, foreign media representatives applying for visas must make their social media accounts publicly accessible for review. The policy also extends to Mexican and Canadian citizens entering the United States under the USMCA trade agreement for business purposes. Journalists will be limited to stays of 240 days, roughly eight months, with the option to seek renewal for identical periods.
The screening requirement already applied to student, exchange, diplomatic, and temporary work visa categories. A State Department spokesperson said the agency is continually reviewing procedures to ensure visa processing meets the highest national security standards.