U.S. Department of State

Rule Changes

Rule-setter and operator for consular visa vetting abroad

The State Department didn’t just change a form. It changed the vibe of the visa interview. Starting December 15, 2025, H-1B workers and H-4 spouses and kids applying for visa stamps abroad get an “online presence review” — and they’re told to make their social profiles public so officers can look.

Updated Dec 15, 2025

Force in Play

Signaled political support for Japan while avoiding commitments that would box in the White House.

Chinese J-15 fighter jets flying from the aircraft carrier Liaoning repeatedly locked targeting radar onto Japanese F-15s near Okinawa on December 6, forcing Japan to scramble jets and lodge an emergency protest. Days later, Washington publicly accused Beijing of destabilizing behavior and vowed its commitment to Japan was “unwavering,” turning a dangerous cockpit decision into a trilateral showdown.

Updated Dec 11, 2025