Access to Social Media

In recent months, The U.S. State Department began requiring access to social media for most F-1 student visa applicants. This new requirement has recently become a point of controversy for a Harvard student, a Palestinian from Lebanon, who was denied entry to the U.S. due to subjects discussed in his social media feed. What makes this case controversial is that the subject matters that were deemed unacceptable were not coming from the student, but from the student’s friends on his feed.

Although social media is a rather recent part of our collective communication process, it has always been recommended that all students be careful regarding the subjects posted within their accounts. This new government requirement, as well as this latest development, should not keep anyone from using social media as a communication and networking platform. The vast mast majority of students using different social media sites should have no problems given how they use their accounts. However, we do want you to be aware what can happen in the rare case when things become controversial.

Bill Abbate
Associate Director of Admission
International Coordinator