The U.S. Consul General in Ghana, Elliot Fertik, announced that applicants for U.S. visas must now provide their social media handles as part of the application process.
This development, revealed during a press conference, aims to enhance the vetting process by allowing authorities to examine publicly available online information to determine eligibility.
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“Whatever you put down on your social media is something that can be examined as part of the visa process,” he told the press.
During a press conference, Fertik emphasized that this information will be considered alongside other factors in the visa approval or denial process.
“What we are looking for on there is anything that can indicate that you are eligible or not eligible for a visa to enter the United States,” Fertik added.
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He, however, clarified that it may not always be the case as every application process is different.
“When we evaluate someone’s eligibility for a visa, we look at everything, and certainly we look at things that are publicly available, what is said during the interview, any document that has been submitted and we look at the whole circumstances to see whether someone is eligible for a visa or not.”
