US tells visa applicants to deny fear of return or risk visa refusal

New guidance from the U.S. State Department requires temporary visa applicants to confirm they have not faced harm and do not fear returning to their home country. Consular officers are now instructed to ask this question as a prerequisite for continuing visa interviews. Applicants who answer affirmatively or refuse to respond face a significantly higher risk of visa denial.

This policy change could impact individuals seeking temporary U.S. visas by potentially excluding those who have experienced or fear mistreatment in their home countries.