There seem to be strong
indication that nationals from the Muslim-majority countries wanting to visit
the United States may be required to give details of their social media
accounts for scrutiny or be barred from entering. According to source, American
visa applicants could be told to submit their social media password during the
application.
Speaking on the issue, Homeland
Security Secretary John Kelly stated the proposal could be part of the tough
measures being put in place by the government in an effort to fish out suspect
terrorists.
Furthermore, he stated that such
a check may be narrowed down to the seven countries being placed under security
watch, like: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Mr Kelly told a hearing of the
Homeland Security Committee: "We're looking at some enhanced or some
additional screening.
"We may want to get on their
social media, with passwords.
"It's very hard to truly vet
these people in these countries, the seven countries. But if they come in, we
want to say, what websites do they visit, and give us your passwords. So we can
see what they do on the internet."
He said anyone who refused to
cooperate would not be allowed into the United States.
He stressed that no decision had
been made, but tighter screening would be implemented, even if it means longer
delays for awarding US visas to visitors.
"These are the things we are
thinking about. But over there we can ask them for this kind of information and
if they truly want to come to America, then they will cooperate. If not, next
in line."
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