Applying For A US Visa? Why A Visit To Gaza After 2007 Could Mean Trouble

Colombo (News 1st) - The US Department of State, under the direction of Secretary Marco Rubio, has initiated a comprehensive review of social media accounts for foreign applicants who have visited the Gaza Strip since January 1, 2007. 

This review applies to all types of US visas, immigrant and non-immigrant, including those for students and tourists, and covers individuals who have spent time in Gaza in an official or diplomatic capacity. 

Employees and volunteers of non-governmental organisations will also be subject to this screening process.

The primary objective of this review is to identify potential security risks, and if any derogatory information related to security issues is uncovered, the applicant's visa submission will be referred for an interagency investigation to assess whether the applicant poses a national security risk.

Rubio previously reported that his office had revoked over 300 visas since the beginning of the year, including those of student visa holders who have expressed criticism towards Israel's actions in Gaza.

According to foreign media, this move has raised concerns, as the US Constitution protects freedom of speech for individuals within the US, regardless of their visa status.