The United States has one of the strictest visa application processes in the world
In addition, as reported by Lenta.ru, the questionnaire requires biographical information for the past 15 years, including addresses where the applicant lived and countries they visited.
According to Reuters, the measures are part of efforts to tighten screening of potential visitors. The new form was approved on May 23, despite criticism during public comment. Opponents argued that answering the proposed questions would be overly burdensome, leading to delays in processing and deterring foreign students and scientists.
A U.S. State Department spokesman said additional information would be requested if it is determined that such data is "necessary to confirm identity or conduct more stringent screening in the interests of national security."
U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to strengthen national security measures, proposing increased funding for the Pentagon, and to protect the country's borders (in particular, he said he would make Mexico pay for building a wall on the southern border of the United States). The American leader also attempted to impose a temporary travel ban on citizens of six predominantly Muslim countries, but the order was blocked by a court, which deemed it discriminatory.