by: The Washington Eye
In a move that sharpens the intersection between digital life and geopolitical gatekeeping, the U.S. Embassy in India has announced that all applicants for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas—including students and exchange visitors—must ensure their social media accounts are publicly visible before attending their visa interviews. Though framed as a routine vetting enhancement, this shift reflects a growing global trend: the transformation of social media from a personal outlet into a tool for border control.

Digital Identity as Border Infrastructure

In recent years, governments have increasingly turned to social media as an unofficial extension of their border apparatus. The United States began requesting social media identifiers from visa applicants in 2019, but the new directive escalates this protocol by requiring public access to those accounts. The goal, according to U.S. officials, is to allow consular officers to verify identity and detect any perceived threats based on content, affiliations, or ideological expression.

This evolution is not merely administrative—it is philosophical. National borders are no longer guarded only by passports and biometric data, but by the narratives and signals encoded in online lives. What an applicant posts, likes, or comments on can now shape their ability to cross borders. This represents a profound shift in how governments conceptualize security and identity in an age of digital transparency.

Surveillance, Speech, and the Cost of Visibility

The implications for applicants are not limited to logistical hurdles. This policy introduces a clear tension between transparency and personal freedom. Students and exchange visitors—many of whom are politically active or engaged in global conversations—are now forced to weigh the consequences of their online expression against their hopes of international mobility.

By compelling public visibility, the U.S. is effectively flattening the distinction between public speech and personal browsing. Posts that are satirical, political, or critical—particularly in areas like U.S. foreign policy or global human rights—may be scrutinized not in their intended context, but through the lens of national security. For many, especially those from politically volatile or socially repressive regions, this opens the door to self-censorship and diminishes the internet as a space of free discourse.

Passports in the Platform Age

This policy also underscores how access to education and international exchange—long symbols of soft power and global diplomacy—are becoming increasingly conditional on digital conformity. In 2023–24, over 330,000 Indian students were enrolled in U.S. institutions, making India the largest source of international students in the U.S. The new visibility requirement arrives at a time when students are preparing for fall admissions, turning routine social media posts into potential gatekeepers of opportunity.

More broadly, it highlights the growing power asymmetry between states and individuals in the age of data. A visa applicant’s curated digital footprint becomes not only a résumé but a risk profile. The burden to prove innocence—or ideological neutrality—is placed squarely on the individual, even before any in-person engagement with the U.S. immigration system.

A Final Note: The Border Is Now Also Online

By making social media visibility a prerequisite for entry, the U.S. is formalizing what has long been informally true: our online lives are now subject to the same scrutiny as our documents and fingerprints. This development sits at the crossroads of surveillance, migration policy, and global inequality—where the politics of borders increasingly bleed into the politics of platforms. For international students, the implications are clear: in the pursuit of knowledge, even self-expression must now pass through a national security filter.

Mosul, a city that once stood as a beacon of cultural and historical richness in Iraq, faced near-total devastation during the occupation and subsequent battles to reclaim it from the Islamic State (IS) group.

The Old City, home to architectural marvels and centuries-old heritage sites, saw almost 80% of its structures reduced to rubble. However, years after IS’s defeat, the city is experiencing a remarkable revival, with efforts underway to restore its most cherished landmarks.

Restoring Iconic Landmarks

Among the focal points of reconstruction is the iconic Al-Nuri Mosque, famed for its leaning minaret known as Al-Hadba (“The Hunchback”). This mosque, a symbol of Mosul’s spiritual and historical identity, was blown up by IS in 2017.

With support from UNESCO, the UAE, and local Iraqi efforts, the mosque is gradually being restored to its former glory. The project aims to retain its original architectural essence while ensuring modern structural integrity.

Similarly, the Al-Saa’a and Al-Tahira churches, which held deep significance for Mosul’s Christian community, are undergoing painstaking restoration. These churches, remnants of the city’s diverse religious history, are being meticulously rebuilt to revive Mosul’s long-standing tradition of coexistence among different faiths.

The process involves a collaborative effort between local craftsmen, historians, and international conservationists, ensuring that each restored building reflects its authentic past.

Beyond restoring physical structures, these efforts symbolize Mosul’s resilience and determination to reclaim its historical and cultural identity. The restoration projects provide employment opportunities for residents, fostering economic growth and encouraging displaced families to return home.

As the city rises from the ashes, its landmarks stand not just as reconstructed buildings but as beacons of hope and renewal for its people.

Community Involvement

Local residents are actively participating in the rebuilding process, contributing to both the physical reconstruction and the revival of cultural traditions. The restoration of these sites is not only about preserving history but also about fostering a sense of identity and continuity for future generations.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the progress, challenges such as funding constraints and the need for specialized expertise persist. Ongoing support from international organizations and governments remains crucial to ensure the successful completion of these projects and the sustainable development of the region.

Final Remarks

With continued global support and unwavering local dedication, Mosul’s revival serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, cultural preservation, and the enduring spirit of its people.

In recent months, the world has witnessed a troubling series of plane crashes, reigniting concerns over aviation safety, mechanical failures, pilot errors, and extreme weather conditions.

The latest crash near Washington, D.C., further intensified fears, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and rigorous investigations. American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The passenger jet carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board. Authorities fear there are no survivors; as of now, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 300 first responders involved. Conditions are challenging due to cold and windy weather.

On 25 December 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 took off from Baku bound for Grozny in Chechnya, with 67 passengers and crew onboard. As the plane neared Grozny in Russian airspace, it appeared to have come under fire from the ground and changed course east, crashing near Aktau in western Kazakhstan. Only 29 people survived. Preliminary reports suggest a possible fuel system failure, but authorities are continuing their investigation.

On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed during its approach to Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities. Preliminary investigations revealed that bird remains, specifically from Baikal teals, were found in both engines, indicating a bird strike. The aircraft crashed after landing late on the runway at high speed with no landing gear deployed and no use of wing flaps. The cause of the crash remains unidentified, as the black box data cut off four minutes before the explosion, possibly due to an electrical failure.

Key Reasons Behind Recent Air Disasters

Several incidents, including today’s Washington, D.C., crash, have been linked to technical malfunctions. The increasing reliance on automated systems has raised concerns about potential software glitches. Investigations into previous crashes highlight the role of human error, often exacerbated by stress, fatigue, or lack of proper training.

Climate change has also led to unpredictable weather patterns, with turbulence and storms increasing the risk of accidents. With the rapid increase in global air travel, congestion in the skies has led to miscommunications, miscalculations, and near-collisions. Some crashes have been attributed to airlines operating aging fleets, resulting in technical failures and compromised safety.

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures

Following each crash, aviation authorities have launched thorough investigations to identify causes and prevent future accidents. The FAA, NTSB, and other global regulatory bodies are now under increasing pressure to impose stricter regulations.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has urged airlines to prioritize pilot training, routine aircraft maintenance, and real-time monitoring systems that can detect early signs of mechanical failures. Some airlines are also considering new artificial intelligence (AI) powered safety mechanisms that can assist pilots in identifying and responding to emergencies.

In the wake of these tragic incidents, several governments have pledged to strengthen aviation safety laws. The European Union, for example, has proposed mandating more frequent aircraft inspections, while the United States is considering updating outdated air traffic control infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce risks.

The Human Cost of Aviation Tragedies

Behind every crash are the stories of lives lost and families shattered. In today’s Washington, D.C., crash, a family of four was reportedly among the victims. The Japan crash claimed the lives of young students, while the Nepal tragedy left an entire village grieving. Survivors and families of victims have demanded greater transparency in investigations and stricter enforcement of safety measures.

Many are advocating for reforms in the aviation industry to prevent future disasters and hold airlines accountable for safety lapses.

Despite advancements in technology and regulatory oversight, aviation safety remains a global challenge. While flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transport, recent crashes serve as a grim reminder that improvements are still needed.

Experts argue that the aviation industry must focus on a multi-pronged approach investing in cutting-edge technology, enforcing rigorous pilot training, and enhancing real-time monitoring systems to ensure safer skies. As investigations into these recent crashes continue, the world watches closely, hoping for answers and solutions to prevent further tragedies.

As authorities and aviation experts work toward identifying solutions, one thing is clear: the safety of passengers and crew must remain the top priority in global air travel.