Trump Administration to Implement Enhanced Screening Protocols

The Trump Administration has confirmed that it will move forward with new enhanced screening protocols, including the completion of additional forms, as part of the application process for certain U.S. visa applicants.

According to the State Department, officials will request additional information when they determine that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting. The State Department confirmed that the tighter vetting would apply to visa applicants “who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities.”

What Visa Applicants Can Expect
Under the new procedures, consular officials will have significant discretion in deciding who will be required to provide additional details. For selected applicants, consular officers can request all prior passport numbers; five years’ worth of social media handles, email addresses and phone numbers; and 15 years of biographical information including addresses, employment and travel history. The new supplemental visa application form has been approved for use for an initial period of six months.

We will be closely monitoring implementation, screening procedures, impact on consular processing timelines, and who is being selected for additional screening under these new enhanced protocols.

If you have any questions regarding this alert, please contact your designated Gibney representative, or email info@gibney.com.