US Tightens H-1B Rules, Targets Applicants With Fact-Checking Or Moderation Backgrounds
By ANDERSON (ANDY) CLIFF
THE United States has introduced a new policy directing consular officers to deny H-1B visas to applicants who have previously worked in fact-checking, content moderation, online safety, or similar roles tied to misinformation and disinformation management.
According to a 2 December internal memo reported by Reuters, the State Department instructed US missions worldwide to treat such work as potential “censorship” of protected speech. Consular officers are to review resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and employment histories of applicants and accompanying family members. If evidence shows involvement in restricting US-based expression, officers are advised to rule the applicant ineligible.
The H-1B programme, which allows US employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals, is widely used in tech, healthcare, research and engineering. The new directive applies to both first-time applicants and those seeking renewals.
The policy is part of a broader tightening of US immigration rules under President Donald Trump’s second term, which has included reinstated travel bans, higher visa fees, stricter vetting, and expanded social media checks.
A State Department spokesperson linked the move to past actions by social media companies against Mr. Trump, saying foreigners should not be allowed to influence what the administration considers censorship of Americans.
Supporters of fact-checking and moderation warn that the policy undermines digital safety efforts, while critics argue that such roles suppress free speech.
