US tightens visa rules, requires applicants to declare no persecution concerns in home country

The United States has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants, asking them to declare that they do not fear persecution in their home countries, as part of the Donald Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration and restrict potential asylum seekers.

The directive was issued in a diplomatic cable sent this week to all US embassies and consulates, according to CNN. This comes amid a wider set of immigration policy changes that have significantly increased scrutiny of travellers seeking entry to the United States.