US Expands Social Media Screening as 52 Kenyans Face Visa Revocations

The United States is expanding its scrutiny of foreign nationals’ online activity as part of its immigration enforcement efforts, with 52 Kenyans among those whose visas have been revoked during President Donald Trump’s current term.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said visa screening does not end once an application is approved. US authorities can reassess visa holders if new information emerges, including material found on publicly accessible social media accounts.

The approach reflects a broader shift in how US immigration officials assess potential security risks. Authorities increasingly consider online posts, comments, interactions and social connections alongside conventional background checks when reviewing an individual’s eligibility to enter or remain in the country.

The Trump administration argues that online activity can provide information about a person’s intentions, affiliations and compliance with US law. Officials maintain that reviewing publicly available content helps identify potential security threats in a digital environment where political debate, personal communication and organised activities frequently take place on social media platforms.

The policy forms part of a wider immigration enforcement campaign that has included extensive visa cancellations. More than 300,000 visas have reportedly been revoked during Trump’s current term, according to figures cited in reports on the administration’s enforcement measures. Information published by the Department of Homeland Security identifies 52 Kenyan nationals among those affected.

US authorities have linked visa cancellations to various grounds, including criminal offences, suspected fraud and national security concerns. The administration has said it intends to take firm action against foreign nationals who break the law, submit fraudulent information or are found to pose security risks.

Under US immigration rules, a visa does not guarantee permanent permission to enter or remain in the country. Authorities can withdraw a visa if subsequent information indicates that its holder no longer meets the relevant requirements. Such decisions may follow criminal investigations, administrative reviews or assessments of information obtained after the visa was issued.

The expanded use of digital screening means that obtaining a visa may not bring an end to official scrutiny. Foreign nationals can face further reviews if authorities discover information that could affect their eligibility, including material posted online.

For Kenyans travelling to the United States for tourism, education or work, the developments underline the growing role of digital records in immigration decisions. Social media activity is increasingly being considered alongside travel history, criminal records and official documentation as authorities assess individual cases.