The US State Department has directed consular officials to deny visa applications from certain skilled workers in online safety roles amid concerns about involvement in “censoring” Americans’ free speech.
An internal memo obtained by Reuters and circulated on Tuesday shows that the instruction targets applicants seeking H-1B visas for highly skilled workers, a category widely used across the tech industry and related sectors.
The memo states: “If you uncover evidence an applicant was responsible for, or complicit in, censorship or attempted censorship of protected expression in the United States, you should pursue a finding that the applicant is ineligible.”
It further directs consular officers to examine the resumes or LinkedIn profiles of H-1B applicants — as well as accompanying family members — to determine whether they have held roles involving activities like misinformation, disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance, and online safety.
“You must thoroughly explore their employment histories to ensure no participation in such activities,” the memo added.
The updated screening rules apply to both first-time applicants and those returning for visa renewals.
A State Department spokesperson noted that the US does not support foreign nationals entering the country to act as censors restricting Americans, but declined to comment on “allegedly leaked documents.”
In May, Marco Rubio, secretary of state, said the US would introduce a visa restriction policy targeted at foreign nationals who censor Americans on social media.
Major American tech platforms include Meta, Google, Microsoft, X, and Snapchat.