US to deny visas to applicants who fear returning to home country

The United States has announced that it will now deny temporary visas to applicants who claim to fear harm or mistreatment if they return to their home country. Under new State Department guidance, consular officers must question applicants about their experiences of mistreatment and fears of return. This rule effectively screens out asylum seekers and applicants from conflict zones, significantly increasing the chances of denial for those who answer affirmatively.