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US demands social media details from visa applicants

bbc.com

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Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#211

Post by codedokode »

It might be difficult to provide the truthful answers. For example, I don't remember all of my current phone numbers, let alone those that I might have used in the past. Also, I don't remember all the names of fake SNS accounts I created, and don't remember throwaway email account names.

Also, US three-letter agencies already have access to Google, Twitter, Facebook and have all necessary information, as Snowden has said, so I guess it makes no sense to provide it again.

Maybe they just are trying to build a cause to be able to deport anyone from the country or reject entry. In this case it would be better to pass a law that allows to do it.

Also this is a good reminder that you better not post too much details about yourself in social networks, otherwise it can be used against you. And Hackernews is not considered a social network, right?

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#212

Post by warp_factor »

nonamechicken wrote: post #183
refurb wrote: post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And don't get me started on the stupid fact that you cannot renew your US visa within the US, and in the end people on student/work visas have to take the pointless trip to Canada/Mexico just to get a new visa. That’s a feature, not a bug. You don’t have to kick people out if they can’t renew, you just don’t let them back in.

This is a big fear for many h1bs (atleast those who I know). What if they travel to India, and then the visa officer decides just like that to deny. What will happen to their stuff in US, their apartment, car etc? These people have done nothing wrong and have all the paperwork, still have that (irrational) fear.

As said above it is a feature. They make the process happen outside the US so that if you are refused you are already outside.

And I will not accept sad stories from H1Bs that are by far the most privileged group of Indians that decided to move to the US mainly to make a crazy amount of money. Everyone knows the rules of the game when they decide to apply for a visa to the US.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#213

Post by codedokode »

godelski wrote: post #97
HeavenFox wrote: post #74

As any US Visa applicant can attest to, the DS-160 is already some of the most annoying form you have to fill - in fact for most people it's less pleasurable than doing 1040. In addition to asking for details of every school you went to, every job you had, every country you've been to, they ask you questions like this: >> Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled su…

Can some lawyer explain why these questions are necessary? I understand that you can add extra convictions for lying on these applications, but all the above questions are quite damning themselves. Like >> Are you a member or representative of a terrorist organization? Assuming you are: you answer yes and you get denied a visa (duh). Answer no and the gov doesn't know, what happens? You commit terrorist activities on…

I think the question about terrorists is in fact a hidden lottery that allows to win a free trip to Guantanamo with unlimited accomodation and catering.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#214

Post by nojvek »

warp_factor wrote: post #212
nonamechicken wrote: post #183

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is a big fear for many h1bs (atleast those who I know). What if they travel to India, and then the visa officer decides just like that to deny. What will happen to their stuff in US, their apartment, car etc? These people have done nothing wrong and have all the paperwork, still have that (irrational) fear.

As said above it is a feature. They make the process happen outside the US so that if you are refused you are already outside. And I will not accept sad stories from H1Bs that are by far the most privileged group of Indians that decided to move to the US mainly to make a crazy amount of money. Everyone knows the rules of the game when they decide to apply for a visa to the US.

Well H1B is a terribly managed skilled migration. Countries like Australia and Canada do it well with their points system that is very fair and transparent.

H1B is based on a lottery. Which there are organized that openly abuse the system and the US gov doesn’t do much about it.

You either let people in or out. H1Bs are stuck in limbo for years with false hope. It’s a very sad way to live and it’s not good for the country either.

But US gov bends to corporations and H1Bs fucked up system helps them keep the wages low.

So there’s that.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#215

Post by refurb »

codedokode wrote: post #204
refurb wrote: post #165

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As per the previous comment, most of it comes from the way the laws were written. If immigration law says “members of a terrorist group can’t get citizenship”, then USCIS has to have a process for following it. In addition to background checks, they ask the question. In terms of booting them out, the question makes it much easier. If they are a member of a terrorist group and they said “no”, well it’s an open and shu…

But doesn't proving that the person has lied also require additional efforts, and if that person will contest the desicion in court, can become a long process?

I would argue that proving somebody lied on an application would be easier than proving something like “this person is a danger to the US”. The 2nd is much subjective.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#216

Post by codedokode »

refurb wrote: post #166
mLuby wrote: post #142

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is a ridiculous argument. First, in theory any sovereign country can do whatever it wants, but it definitely shouldn't. Second, the comment is about simply visiting (or god forbid having a connecting flight in) the US, not applying for visas (which certainly deserve more thorough handling). Third, the richest and most powerful nation on Earth should be setting a high standard for humane treatment of all people,…

Asking for social media handles is inhumane? It may be bad policy or intrusive, but calling it inhumane is hyperbole.

It is definitely not friendly because social network is a place to communicate with friends or family and you don't want a customs officer putting their nose there.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#217

Post by codedokode »

Longlius wrote: post #168
godelski wrote: post #80

This seems isolationist. Why would we want to isolate ourselves? For a country that was founded upon immigrants, that extremely benefited (and continues to) from diversity of thought and ideas, why would we want to stop that? I'm just under 30 and I still remember growing up how I was told that a major part of what made America great was the melting pot. In academia and at labs I've seen this be a huge benefit. But I…

The US grants permanent residency to roughly a million people a year already. In the past we accepted anyone who would come because so few people were willing to come. Now too many people want to come, so the selection process has to become more rigorous. I don't want to sound nativist, but there are hard limits on how many people a country can accept at once, especially one with an increasingly small pool of jobs to…

As I understand, those questions are for tourists too, not only for people wanting to live in US.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#218

Post by refurb »

zaptheimpaler wrote: post #195
nonamechicken wrote: post #183

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is a big fear for many h1bs (atleast those who I know). What if they travel to India, and then the visa officer decides just like that to deny. What will happen to their stuff in US, their apartment, car etc? These people have done nothing wrong and have all the paperwork, still have that (irrational) fear.

So many H1bs don't even think about buying a lot of furniture, a car or a house for this reason.

So many?

As someone who went through the H1-B process and had my status threaten a number of times (downsizing), it was just a reality - if I lose my visa I go back home and maybe try again.

It never stopped me from major live decisions like buying a house.

Immigrating to a new country is taking the risk that you can’t stay. I accepted that when I immigrated.

Re: US demands social media details from visa applicants

#220

Post by refurb »

nojvek wrote: post #214
warp_factor wrote: post #212

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As said above it is a feature. They make the process happen outside the US so that if you are refused you are already outside. And I will not accept sad stories from H1Bs that are by far the most privileged group of Indians that decided to move to the US mainly to make a crazy amount of money. Everyone knows the rules of the game when they decide to apply for a visa to the US.

Well H1B is a terribly managed skilled migration. Countries like Australia and Canada do it well with their points system that is very fair and transparent. H1B is based on a lottery. Which there are organized that openly abuse the system and the US gov doesn’t do much about it. You either let people in or out. H1Bs are stuck in limbo for years with false hope. It’s a very sad way to live and it’s not good for the co…

You either let people in or not?

Most countries have a graduated immigration system - you start with a work visa, you try and get permanent residence, then try for citizenship.

The US isn’t alone in this except for maybe the fact that the demand to immigrate to the US far outstrips the limits.

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