Anyone applying for a US visa will face two sensitive questions

The Washington Post was the first to report on a cable from the U.S. Department of State, which instructs consular officers to ask non-immigrant visa applicants two sensitive questions.

They must ask whether the applicant has experienced harm or mistreatment in their country of origin or last place of residence, and whether they fear mistreatment upon returning there.

According to the prestigious newspaper, applicants must state that they do not fear mistreatment in their country of origin and that they are not afraid to return there; otherwise, their application may be denied. The measure comes at a time when the Trump administration is seeking to further restrict entry for potential asylum seekers.

A State Department spokesperson emphasized that consular officers are “the first line of defense for U.S. national security” and added that the department uses all available tools and resources to determine whether a visa applicant meets U.S. legal requirements.

Immigration policy consultant Camille Mackler told CNN that the new directive could place people in difficult situations, forcing them to make choices that directly affect their safety and that of their families. “It also makes people uncertain about their routes and travel plans,” she added. The rule applies to non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourist, student, and temporary worker visas.

In January, the United States suspended the processing of immigration visas for 75 countries.

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