The Department of State (DOS), according to media outlets like the Washington Post, implemented new asylum focused screening questions into every non-immigrant visa interview. According to these outlets, answering ‘yes’ to whether they’d face danger if they’d return to their home countries decreases their chances of acceptance. This change, if implemented, gives the government leeway to deny a greater number of asylum applicants.

These new questions aren’t on Form DS-160. Immigration officers ask them verbally in immigration interviews. Said questions help officers identify whether applicants pursue asylum claims once they enter the U.S. The new asylum screening parameters apply across all major non-immigrant visa categories, including visitor visas and student visas.

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