Visa holders in the United States will still have to contend with intense scrutiny from the government, which confirmed on Wednesday it will institute continuous monitoring policies going beyond visa issuance.
A statement from the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs clarified this commitment, with the government reiterating that immigrants would still be under the close watch of the government even after successful visa applications.
"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.
The clarification follows recent policy shifts from Donald Trump's government, which has introduced, among other things, more rigorous vetting procedures for visa applicants.
The U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the new policy, urging anyone who acquires a U.S Visa to consistently be on their best behaviour at all times during their stay in the 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."
Recently, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed that applicants for various immigration benefits, including green cards and student visas, would need to disclose their social media handles used over the past five years.
This measure is part of an effort to enhance identity verification and national security screening.
What it means: For Kenyans planning to travel to or currently residing in the United States, the clarification by the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs puts them on a tighter rope, as any violation of policy will lead to instant revocation of their visas, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.
One of the most critical areas Kenyans will have to be wary of is their social media activity, particularly after a new policy which includes social media screening as part of its visa and immigration vetting process.
On Wednesday, April 9, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed that, effective immediately, the discovery of antisemitic content on a visa applicant's social media will be sufficient grounds to deny the applicant benefits, including green cards and student visas.
“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.
With the long arm of the US government going beyond violating immigration policies, Kenyans who violate basic laws in the States could also easily lose their privileges to stay in the country.
Some of the possible felonies which the US government could monitor include theft and fraud, submission of fake documents, which is common among green card applicants, and marriage fraud, where individuals enter a marriage purely for visa purposes.
