Did Bangladeshi Students Seek Such an Identity for Studying Abroad?

Opinion

Many students from the University of Dhaka and BUET apply for student visas to study in the United States. Most of them have full-funded scholarships, and the visa refusal rate is almost negligible. However, over the past few months, over a hundred students have had their visas rejected for “mysterious” reasons, despite having full-funded scholarships. They are unable to figure out the cause, even after much thought. Recently, one such student shared his story with me and sought advice on what to do.

Upon checking the student’s Facebook profile, I noticed that he had graduated from the EEE department at BUET, but his timeline was filled with videos of extremist sermons, memes, and posts against atheists and Jews.

My assumption, which the student now also believes, is that this was the reason for his visa rejection. During the American visa application process, applicants are required to provide a link to their Facebook profile.

From a former U.S. visa officer, I learned that 4-5 days before the interview date, an artificial intelligence-based report is prepared on all online activities of the visa applicant. This report assesses whether the student poses a threat to U.S. national security or the security of any allied nation. They score applicants on a scale of 1 to 100. If a student’s potential risk score exceeds 40, they are denied a visa.

Students, be cautious. Your parents have sent you to institutions like the University of Dhaka, BUET, and medical colleges with great dreams. Many of you are studying or working at prestigious institutions in Europe and America based on your merit. Do not, out of carelessness or impulse, post or comment anything on Facebook that could shatter your lifelong dreams.

It is likely that Europe and Australia follow similar procedures. China has reportedly deported many Bangladeshi passengers from airports. A few weeks ago, a Bangladeshi student was deported from San Francisco Airport despite having a valid U.S. visa.

– Mahiuddin Mohammad
Online Activist