US visa update: Two new questions could increase rejection risk

The Guardian reported that staff at all US embassies and consulates worldwide have been asked to modify procedures. Embassies have been directed to ask two new questions to visa seekers: 1) Whether the applicant plans to apply for asylum after entering the US? 2) Whether the applicant fears harm or mistreatment in returning to their country of nationality or permanent residence? The article notes that the likelihood of visa rejection increases dramatically if the applicant says 'yes' or refuses to answer either question. It also mentions potential penalties for lying to a federal officer if a conscious 'no' is given but later found to be false. Nonimmigrant visa categories affected include visitors not eligible for ESTA, college students, temporary farm workers, business leaders, and H-1B workers. The directive suggests that declaring nonimmigrant intent could conflict with asylum requests, which are lawful under US law.

A ruling declared that the existing prohibition on accepting asylum requests made from the United States will be considered unlawful.