Latest news with #DepartmentofState
The Herald Scotland
14 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
State Dept. lowers Jamaica travel advisory level, but urges caution
The change comes two months after Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Jamaica and pledged to re-evaluate its travel notice. The highest possible advisory level is Level 4 or "do not travel." "We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions," a State Department spokesperson previously told USA TODAY. "The Department of State routinely updates our Travel Advisories and destination information pages based on a comprehensive review of all available safety information and ongoing developments." Here's what travelers should know. Is it safe to travel from the US to Jamaica? The overall advisory level has been lowered, but the State Department warns crime and medical concerns remain, and there are areas travelers are urged to avoid all together. "While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country," according to Thursday's advisory, which adds that armed robberies and sexual assaults are common and homicide rates are among the Western Hemisphere's highest. "Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country," the State Department continued, but noted, "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts" and many cases aren't fully prosecuted. U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from visiting certain parts of Jamaica, which travelers are also warned against visiting "for any reason." See the State Department's travel advisory page for the full list. How to stay safe while traveling The State Department shared the following safety tips for Americans visiting Jamaica: "Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences. Avoid walking or driving at night. Avoid public buses. Avoid remote places. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. Visit (the State Department) website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States." The State Department also notes that Americans should not expect the same level of medical care in Jamaica, including slower emergency response, less available care and potentially having to pay up front before being admitted to hospitals. Travelers are encouraged to buy insurance before their trips. Contributing: Reuters
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania holds literal roll of the dice for election audits
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A literal roll of the dice determined which recent election results are audited. Pennsylvania's election leaders do this after every election: they audit a random sample of election results, examining them carefully to make sure there are no irregularities. So, how do they choose the sample? Well, it's almost like a low-tech lottery drawing. One volunteer after another rolled the dice and the Department of State recorded the dice-roll results, which correspond to which election results will get an extra-close look. 'This is our sixth statewide risk-limiting audit since the 2022 general election,' Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. 'RLAs are proven to be the highest standard of comprehensive election audits because the RLA process provides a statistically sound, scientific method for confirming, with a high degree of confidence, that the reported outcome of the audited election is accurate.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New Paper
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Paper
S'poreans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy
Singaporeans keen to study in the US can continue to send in their visa applications, said the US Embassy in Singapore on May 28, following news that the Trump administration has directed overseas missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in an internal cable reported by Politico on May 27 that the State Department intends to review the screening and vetting of such applicants, with plans to issue guidelines on "expanded social media vetting". In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. When asked about the latest directive, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Singapore said: "The US Embassy's interview appointments system is dynamic and reflects the time required for consular officers to adjudicate cases in full compliance with US law. "At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications, as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them." It did not disclose if it has received an influx of queries from applicants since news about the internal cable was published, although it said that social media vetting has been a longstanding part of the US visa application process. The spokesperson said: "Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms, and we use all available information in our visa screening and vetting." Recounting her own experience, a Singaporean student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had to submit her social media account handles when she applied for a student visa in 2022. The 22-year-old, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at a liberal arts college, said she thought it was better to play safe then and disclose information about all her accounts, even though she doubted that any checks would be conducted. In recent times, however, she has become more cautious about what she says or does, both online and in person. This follows news of US President Donald Trump's recent campaign against elite US colleges, which he is trying to pressure into making a wide range of policy changes such as removing diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives. On May 22, the Trump administration terminated Harvard University's right to host and enrol foreign students and scholars, leaving nearly 6,800 international students there in limbo. This follows its cancellation of billions of dollars in grants and funds for the school as well as other elite institutions such as Columbia University. "I used to be more involved in political activism on campus, but now I'm just trying to stay unnoticed," the Singaporean student said, citing how clampdowns on international students, coupled with the looming thought that her social media account information remains in the US authorities' hands, have made her fearful. Originally drawn to the US because of its ideals in areas such as freedom of speech, she said that at present, "the hypocrisy is just so striking". Although she initially planned to commence postgraduate studies in the US immediately after receiving her bachelor's, recent developments have made her reconsider. "With all the twists and turns, I think I'm likely to return to Singapore afterwards instead, which wasn't my plan at all, even six months ago." Another Singaporean student pursuing his postgraduate studies in the US said his devices and social media accounts were not screened whenever he passed through US Customs. However, he noted that there has been an increase in questioning by border agents, including about his career and family situation. While the 27-year-old does not plan to cut back on travelling, he has stopped posting or sharing content related to the US and its politics on his social media accounts. He said: "I am also extra careful with whatever I text friends if it concerns US politics." A 26-year-old Singaporean, who is heading to University College London for a master's degree, had contemplated pursuing one in public health either at Columbia University or the University of California, Berkeley. Having witnessed the uncertainty in the US and taken other things like costs into consideration, the analyst at a market research firm said she was relieved to have pivoted to Britain instead. The current US administration, as well as Mr Trump's stance on immigration as outlined in Project 2025, further cemented her decision. Describing applying to the US for her studies as a "huge gamble", she said she had considered waiting for things to settle, but upon reflection, she realised her options did not necessarily have to be limited to American institutions. University admission consultancy Crimson Education has been sharing the variety of available options with students keen to study abroad. Ms Joanne Gao, its regional manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar, said it will continue to encourage students to "explore a wide range of university options around the world - not just in the US". She added: "This way, students avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and have more chances to find the right university for them." So far, four families have contacted Crimson Education as a result of the latest developments in the US, but she said that students already accepted into top US universities are planning to proceed with their plans. Ms Gao said the consultancy has also contacted the US Embassy to clarify the situation, which would enable it to "properly support" its students. The Straits Times also contacted two other educational consultancies, but they were unable to comment.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Singaporeans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans keen to study in the US can continue to send in their visa applications, said the US Embassy in Singapore on Wednesday (May 28), following news that the Trump administration has directed overseas missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in an internal cable reported by Politico on May 27 that the State Department intends to review the screening and vetting of such applicants, with plans to issue guidelines on 'expanded social media vetting'. In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. When asked about the latest directive, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Singapore said: 'The US Embassy's interview appointments system is dynamic and reflects the time required for consular officers to adjudicate cases in full compliance with US law. 'At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications, as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them.' It did not disclose if it has received an influx of queries from applicants since news about the internal cable was published, although it said that social media vetting has been a longstanding part of the US visa application process. The spokesperson said: 'Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms, and we use all available information in our visa screening and vetting.' Recounting her own experience, a Singaporean student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had to submit her social media account handles when she applied for a student visa in 2022. The 22-year-old, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at a liberal arts college, said she thought it was better to play safe then and disclose information about all her accounts, even though she doubted that any checks would be conducted. In recent times, however, she has become more cautious about what she says or does, both online and in person. This follows news of US President Donald Trump's recent campaign against elite US colleges, which he is trying to pressure into making a wide range of policy changes such as removing diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives. On May 22, the Trump administration terminated Harvard University's right to host and enrol foreign students and scholars, leaving nearly 6,800 international students there in limbo. This follows its cancellation of billions of dollars in grants and funds for the school as well as other elite institutions such as Columbia University. 'I used to be more involved in political activism on campus, but now I'm just trying to stay unnoticed,' the Singaporean student said, citing how clampdowns on international students, coupled with the looming thought that her social media account information remains in the US authorities' hands, have made her fearful. Originally drawn to the US because of its ideals in areas such as freedom of speech, she said that at present, 'the hypocrisy is just so striking'. Although she initially planned to commence postgraduate studies in the US immediately after receiving her bachelor's, recent developments have made her reconsider. 'With all the twists and turns, I think I'm likely to return to Singapore afterwards instead, which wasn't my plan at all, even six months ago.' Another Singaporean student pursuing his postgraduate studies in the US said his devices and social media accounts were not screened whenever he passed through US Customs. However, he noted that there has been an increase in questioning by border agents, including about his career and family situation. While the 27-year-old does not plan to cut back on travelling, he has stopped posting or sharing content related to the US and its politics on his social media accounts. He said: 'I am also extra careful with whatever I text friends if it concerns US politics.' A 26-year-old Singaporean, who is heading to University College London for a master's degree, had contemplated pursuing one in public health either at Columbia University or the University of California, Berkeley. Having witnessed the uncertainty in the US and taken other things like costs into consideration, the analyst at a market research firm said she was relieved to have pivoted to Britain instead. The current US administration, as well as Trump's stance on immigration as outlined in Project 2025, further cemented her decision. Describing applying to the US for her studies as a 'huge gamble', she said she had considered waiting for things to settle, but upon reflection, she realised her options did not necessarily have to be limited to American institutions. University admission consultancy Crimson Education has been sharing the variety of available options with students keen to study abroad. Joanne Gao, its regional manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar, said it will continue to encourage students to 'explore a wide range of university options around the world – not just in the US'. She added: 'This way, students avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and have more chances to find the right university for them.' So far, four families have contacted Crimson Education as a result of the latest developments in the US, but she said that students already accepted into top US universities are planning to proceed with their plans. Gao said the consultancy has also contacted the US Embassy to clarify the situation, which would enable it to 'properly support' its students. The Straits Times also contacted two other educational consultancies, but they were unable to comment. - The Straits Times/ANN
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
US Suspends Foreign Student Visa Applications
Israa Farhan The United States has temporarily suspended the processing of new foreign student visa applications as the Department of State prepares to introduce more rigorous background checks focused on social media activity. The move, ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reflects the Trump administration's intensified scrutiny of individuals seeking entry into the country for educational purposes. An internal State Department document reviewed by international media instructed all US embassies and consulates to halt scheduling new appointments for student and educational exchange visas. The suspension is in place until further notice, pending the release of new guidelines. The department is currently finalizing policies that will require deeper inspection of social media accounts linked to all applicants under student and educational exchange visa categories. These measures are aimed at strengthening national security by evaluating the digital presence and online behavior of individuals applying to study or conduct academic exchanges in the US. While the document indicated that the suspension may only last for a short period, embassies and consular posts are expected to receive updated instructions in the coming days. Until then, no new visa applications under these categories will be processed. The suspension is part of a broader effort by the US government to enhance border security and tighten vetting procedures for all incoming travelers. This includes a growing emphasis on the use of digital footprints, such as social media activity, as part of the background screening process. The Department of State has affirmed its commitment to conducting comprehensive security checks on all individuals entering the country, reflecting an ongoing shift towards more restrictive immigration and visa policies. This development could significantly impact thousands of international students preparing to begin or continue their studies in the United States. With no clear timeline for when the suspension will be lifted, students and academic institutions face uncertainty and potential disruption for the upcoming academic year. The US higher education sector, which benefits both academically and economically from a diverse international student population, may also feel the effects. Institutions that host large numbers of foreign students, particularly in STEM and research-driven disciplines, could experience a noticeable decline in enrolment figures if delays persist. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
