Scrutiny of social media fuels visa fears among Pak students in US

Pakistani students and other visa holders in the United States are facing growing uncertainty as the Trump administration steps up scrutiny of social media for anti-American or extremist content, Dawn reported on Saturday.

As part of tighter vetting procedures, US authorities are monitoring online activity for any indication of hostility towards American citizens, culture, government or institutions, the report said.

Even minor infractions, political involvement or incomplete paperwork could jeopardise their stay, it added.

Incidents such as traffic offences and campus demonstrations may now be reported to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), raising alarm among members of the Pakistani community.

A traffic court judge in northern Virginia recently informed two Pakistani students that courts are now obliged to share records of traffic violations with the DHS, according to the report.

“We were planning to drive to Chicago, but we’ve been advised not to,” said Yunus Khan, a student from Baltimore, Maryland. “We are on visas and even a minor mistake could lead to revocation.”

The Pakistani embassy has said it is closely monitoring the situation and has advised students and other nationals to exercise caution, particularly in political activities.

Participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations has further heightened anxiety among Pakistani students. “Some of us joined those demonstrations and now we don’t know if we can stay or might face deportation,” said Samina Ali, also from Baltimore.

Mohammad Sajid, a student at George Mason University, said even securing part-time work had become difficult. Pakistanis who obtained political asylum are reportedly facing even greater concerns.

According to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, between 700,000 and one million Pakistanis currently live in the United States, most as citizens or long-term residents, the report added.