US Imposes New Tough Rules For Visa Holders, Even After Visa Approval
Officials reaffirmed that immigrants will remain under close surveillance even after being granted visas.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Visa holders in the U.S. will continue to face strict oversight, as the government announced on Wednesday, April 16 that it plans to implement ongoing monitoring measures that extend beyond the visa approval process.
According to a statement from the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, officials reaffirmed that immigrants will remain under close surveillance even after being granted visas.
"US visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This clarification comes in the wake of recent policy changes under Donald Trump’s administration, which has implemented stricter vetting processes for visa applicants.
US President Donald Trump at his office in the White House. /AL JAZEERA
Rubio underscored the updated approach, advising all visa holders to maintain exemplary conduct throughout their stay in the United States.
"We expect - and the law requires all visa holders to demonstrate their eligibility every day their visa is valid," he said. "This includes respecting our laws, behaving appropriately, according to their visa type and continuing to meet these standards throughout their stay in our country."
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that individuals applying for immigration benefits, such as green cards or student visas, must now disclose all social media handles used within the last five years.
This requirement is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening identity verification and enhancing national security protocols.
Why This Matters
For Kenyans either planning to travel to or currently living in the U.S., a recent statement from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs signals a stricter enforcement environment. Any breach of immigration policy could result in immediate visa cancellation and potential deportation.
One of the key areas under scrutiny is social media behavior. Under the updated policy, USCIS confirmed on Wednesday, April 9, that any evidence of antisemitic content on an applicant’s social media accounts can now serve as valid grounds for denying immigration benefits, including student visas and permanent residency.
“There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s extremist sympathisers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here,” said Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
Under this new policy, USCIS will treat any social media activity showing support for antisemitic terrorism or groups as a negative factor during the immigration review process. This policy has since taken effect.
No country is off the hook under this new sweeping U.S. policy — and Kenyans could feel the impact in a big way, especially since America remains a top destination for education, work, and permanent residency.
Beyond immigration policy violations, Kenyans living in the U.S. also risk losing their legal status if found guilty of breaking local laws.
Authorities may revoke visas or residency privileges in cases involving offences such as theft, fraud, submission of falsified documents—an issue frequently observed among green card applicants—and marriage fraud, where individuals enter into unions solely to obtain immigration benefits.
