Kamal Ghorui
The Trump administration has issued a new visa rule that is aimed to limit asylum claims in the US. The US State Department has directed its diplomats to ask visa applicants for nonimmigrant visas if they fear returning home to their country. The new instruction is part of a broader push to tighten immigration checks and reduce the number of people seeking asylum through the visa system. According to the directive, consular officers must now ask applicants whether they have faced harm in their home country and whether they fear harm if they return. Applicants will be required to clearly answer “no” to both questions for their visa process to move forward. If they answer “yes,” officials may deny the visa request.
Two questions that US consular officers are directed to ask visa applicants
As reported by the Washington Post, US officials will be required to ask two questions of applicants:
- “Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?”
- “Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?”
The rule has come into effect immediately and applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories, including tourist, student and business visas. Officers have also been instructed to record applicants’ responses as part of the visa process.The move comes shortly after a US court decision that challenged earlier restrictions on asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. While it is still unclear when asylum processing will fully resume, the administration has signaled that it plans to appeal the ruling.Officials say the new rule is meant to ensure that visa applicants do not misuse temporary visas as a way to later apply for asylum. The directive states that if a person fears returning home, it raises concerns about their intention to travel temporarily, which is a key requirement for nonimmigrant visas.
New US visa rule raises concerns
However, the new rule has raised concerns among immigration experts and advocacy groups. Some believe that it could make it harder for people facing real threats in their home countries to seek protection in the US. They argue that such questions may discourage vulnerable individuals from applying for visas or speaking honestly about their situation.The State Department has defended the move, saying that a US visa is a privilege and not a right. It added that the government is using available tools to ensure applicants follow US laws and do not misuse the system.
