Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/06/02
By: Joseph Yeh
Taipei, June 2 (CNA) A recently-implemented rule that requires applicants for U.S.
CNA file photo
visas to submit their social media usernames, previous email addresses and phone numbers, will not affect most Taiwanese travelers to the U.S. who visit the country visa-free, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Sunday.
The AIT statement came after an Associated Press report on Saturday that the U.S. State Department is now requiring nearly all visa applicants to submit more detailed personal information as part of the Trump administration’s enhanced screening of potential immigrants and visitors.
The change, which was first proposed in March 2018, is expected to affect about 15 million foreign nationals who apply for visas to enter the United States each year, the AP report said.
Asked to comment, an AIT spokesperson citied information previously released by the State Department as saying that the changes have been made for national security reasons. [FULL STORY]