America checks social networks, international students should not panic

(NLDO) - Maintaining personal image on social networks is very important for those who intend to study, travel or work abroad.

The news that the US has temporarily suspended visa appointments has caused a lot of anxiety for the Vietnamese student community. However, according to study abroad consultants, this is only a temporary move by the US government, and international students should not be too alarmed.

At a recent study abroad exhibition, Ms. Natella Svistunova, Cultural Attaché of the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, said that there are about 30,000 Vietnamese students studying in the US.

On the afternoon of May 28, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh Tien, Director of BGG Education Organization, said that checking social networks and personal information pages of visa applicants has existed before. However, at present, the US is tightening it to minimize risks to the security, order, and politics of this country.

According to Mr. Tien, the US government is in the process of reviewing the applications that have been granted and may revoke visas for cases that are assessed as negative. After this review period, visa issuance is expected to resume soon.

Previously scheduled appointments will continue to take place as per current procedures. However, appointments with unfilled slots will be removed from the system until further notice.

MSc. Nguyen Phuong Thao, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Training - Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, said that in the past, the US student visa approval process often focused on factors such as academics, financial capacity and personal background.

"The US government's additional scrutiny of international students' social media activities is to assess whether the applicants' social interactions are negative, objectionable, or affect the culture and security of the host country. This requires students to pay special attention to the content they post or interact with on social media platforms," ​​Ms. Thao emphasized.

The US's suspension of visa appointments has left many students intending to study abroad confused and worried.

Study abroad consulting centers say they are actively updating information and guiding students in preparing their applications. Being transparent about personal information and presenting a positive, appropriate image on social media will become an indispensable part of the visa application process.

"Those who find it too difficult to apply for a US student visa can consider international joint university programs in Vietnam. This is an option that saves on tuition fees, allows you to stay close to your family, and earns you an international university degree," added Ms. Thao.

According to experts, this tightening of checks is not only in the US but also in some other countries to increase security. Therefore, maintaining personal image on social networks is extremely important for anyone who intends to study, travel or work abroad.

The U.S. Department of State is reviewing its current practices and procedures for screening and vetting student and exchange (F, M, J) visa applicants.

Earlier, on May 27, a US official said that the Trump administration had directed US diplomatic missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for applicants for student and cultural exchange visas as the State Department prepared to expand social media checks for international students.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/my-kiem-tra-mang-xa-hoi-du-hoc-sinh-khong-nen-hoang-mang-196250528141822633.htm