The United States government has announced new measures that will see visa holders—including Kenyans—monitored continuously even after successful visa approval.

In a statement issued by the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs on Wednesday, the government confirmed that visa issuance no longer marks the end of scrutiny. Instead, holders must continue to meet eligibility requirements throughout their stay in the US.

"We expect—and the law requires—all visa holders to demonstrate their eligibility every day their visa is valid," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "This includes respecting our laws and behaving in accordance with visa terms."

As part of the tougher enforcement measures, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently introduced mandatory disclosure of social media handles used over the past five years for applicants seeking immigration benefits such as green cards and student visas.

The policy aims to enhance background checks and national security screening, with specific attention to online content. USCIS has clarified that antisemitic content on social media is now grounds for immediate visa denial or revocation.

“There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s extremist sympathisers,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

This expanded surveillance will also target immigration fraud, including the use of false documents, marriage fraud, and criminal offenses such as theft or deception.

For Kenyans seeking to travel or already residing in the US, the new policy places them under closer scrutiny, making any violation—no matter how minor—a potential trigger for deportation.