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Original Date Announced
April 28, 2026The Washington Post reports that the Department of State distributed a diplomatic cable stating that, effective immediately, all consular officers “should request that a nonimmigrant visa applicant affirm that he or she does not fear harm or mistreatment in returning to his or her country of nationality or former habitual residence, and document the response in case notes.” The cable requires U.S. officials to ask applicants two questions: "Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?" and "Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?" It then states that"[v]isa applicants must respond verbally with a 'no' to both questions for the consular officer to continue with visa issuance."
The cable asserts that “[a]n applicant’s fear of returning to his or her country of nationality or permanent residence calls into question an applicant’s intended purpose of travel and immigrant intent at the time of visa application." It further suggests that “the high number of aliens claiming asylum in the United States indicates that many aliens misrepresent this intention to consular officers in the visa application process.”
Trump 2.0 [ID #2267]
2026.04.28 Reported: New State Department rules would deny visas to those who fear returning home - Washington PostEffective Date
April 28, 2026Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: ReportedTrump Administration Actions: Agency Directive Change in PracticeSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant VisasAgencies Affected: DOS
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