National

Applying for US Visa? Two New Questions Could See Tourists, Workers Denied

By Dan Gooding Newsweek
State Department building. The U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. July 11, 2025.
State Department building. The U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. July 11, 2025. J. David Ake/Getty Images

Immigrants and visitors wanting to make it to the United States could see their application denied if they answer two new questions incorrectly, according to a State Department cable.

The memo, viewed by The Washington Post and The Guardian, marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to severely limit asylum applications, with prospective visa holders asked if they fear returning to their home country. A “yes” could see their temporary visa denied.

According to the directive, officials at embassies and consulates will now be required to ask applicants: "Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?" and "Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?"

Newsweek reached out to the State Department for comment via its contact form Tuesday afternoon.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

The U.S. State Department in Washington on July 11, 2025.
The U.S. State Department in Washington on July 11, 2025.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 10:49 AM.

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