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Original Date Announced
August 28, 2018DOS requests public comment on proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156, Applications for Nonimmigrant Visas, which would collect the social media identifiers used by applicants for various social media platforms during the five years preceding the date of application. Other questions seek five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses, and international travel; all prior immigration violations; and whether specified family members have been involved in terrorist activities. [ID #914]
Federal Register: 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for Nonimmigrant Visa DS-160 Supporting Statement submitted to OMBSubsequent Trump-Era and Court Action(s)
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May 31, 2019
FAQs on Social Media Collection
The Department of State implemented this policy on May 31, 2019.
Go to article on travel.state.gov -
December 5, 2019
Doc Society, International Documentary Association v. Pompeo and Wolf Complaint
A pair of documentary film organizations sued the Trump administration over its requirement that foreigners disclose their social media accounts. Motion to dismiss pending in D.C. District Court as of 10/21/20 in Doc Society et al v. Pompeo (D.D.C.), Case No. 1:19-cv-03632.
**Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**
View Document
Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
May 28, 20212021.05.28 Defendants' Status Report, Doc Society et al. v. Blinken et al., No. 19-cv-3632 (TJK) (D.D.C. May 28, 2021)
In their status update to the court on May 28, 2021, the Biden administration's DOS and DHS indicated that they did not anticipate taking any action that would moot the lawsuit challenging the Trump-era rule that requires millions of visa applicants each year to register their social media handles with the U.S. government.
**Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
August 13, 2021Revised Form DS-156
On August 13, 2021, DOS issued a notice requesting public comment regarding proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156. The proposed revisions to Form DS-156 can be found in the linked document. Among the proposed changes are the inclusion of additional "Current Employment/Education" fields.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
August 13, 2021Revised Form DS-160
On August 13, 2021, DOS issued a notice requesting public comment regarding proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156. The proposed revisions to Form DS-160 can be found in the linked document. Among the proposed changes are the inclusion of additional "Current Employment/Education" fields.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
August 13, 20212021.08.13 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-160, Online Application for Nonimmigrant Visa and DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
On August 13, 2021, DOS issued a notice requesting public comment regarding proposed revisions to Form DS-160 and DS-156.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
February 11, 20222022.02.11 Doc Society v. Blinken, Civil Action No. 19-cv-3632 (TJK) (D.D.C., Feb. 11, 2022).
In Doc Society v. Blinken, the Biden administration indicates its approval and retention of the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
**Litigation is listed for informational purposes and is not comprehensive. For the current status of legal challenges, check other sources.**
View DocumentCurrent Status
Fully in EffectMay 28, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
August 13, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
August 13, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
August 13, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
February 11, 2022Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/Actual In LitigationTrump Administration Action: Forms and Information CollectionSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant VisasAgencies Affected: DOSAssociated or Derivative Policies
Pre Trump-Era Policies