US to Deny Visas to Applicants Expressing Fear of Returning Home
Immigration Lawyer Helps Couple Denied US Visa At Embassy Interview
Washington: The United States has introduced a new visa screening policy instructing its diplomatic missions worldwide to refuse visa applications from individuals who express fear of returning to their home country.
According to a State Department communication circulated to US embassies and consulates, visa officers are now required to ask two additional questions during non-immigrant visa interviews. Applicants must state whether they have faced harm or mistreatment in their country of origin or habitual residence, and whether they fear such treatment if they return.
Under the new directive, applicants who respond affirmatively to either question will be automatically denied a visa. The rule applies to several categories, including tourist, student, and temporary work visas.
The policy is reportedly linked to a 2025 executive order from the US administration and is part of broader efforts to prevent misuse of temporary visas as a pathway to asylum claims after entering the country. Officials say the aim is to strengthen immigration control and protect the integrity of visa categories.
US authorities have emphasized that a visa is a discretionary privilege rather than a guaranteed right. They argue that applicants who do not intend to comply with US immigration laws should not apply for entry.
However, the decision has raised concern among immigration experts and human rights advocates. Critics warn that the policy could discourage legitimate travel and unfairly affect students, journalists, researchers, and business professionals who may have genuine fears about conditions in their home countries. They also caution that honest responses could automatically lead to visa rejection.
Previously, assessments of fear or risk were conducted only after a person had entered the United States and applied for asylum. The new system shifts that evaluation to the initial visa application stage abroad.
Reports indicate that US embassies have already begun updating interview procedures in line with the new instructions. The policy is expected to be implemented globally and applied uniformly across all nationalities.
Officials at several foreign embassies, including Pakistan’s mission in Washington, stated that they have not received any country-specific directives, suggesting the rule is part of a broader global policy change rather than targeted action against any single nation.
The new measure is expected to significantly reshape how visa interviews are conducted and may influence future international travel and immigration patterns.
