Millions of international travelers are expected to make their way to the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but unlike years past, they’re expected to face added scrutiny, both before they arrive and while they’re in the country. Mignon Houston, deputy spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of S tate, said there will be extra eyes and ears on international travelers who are granted a visa, whether they’re coming for the soccer matches or something else. “The United States is a welcoming country, but we’re also a secure country,” Houston said. Vetting will be stepped up for the visa application process and will continue even after travelers arrive in the states. “This [World Cup] is going to be the greatest World Cup in the history of World Cups, and of course the United States is taking precautions as we would in any element, any dynamic,” Houston said. “Every visa decision, as I mentioned, is a national security decision.” The State Department has hired almost 450 more agents to scrutinize visa applications ahead of the World Cup. Houston also provided details on several other topics, including a warning to those visiting the U.S. on student visas. “We also expect students, once they’re here and they have that visa, to use that visa correctly, to ensure they’re not inciting violence on campus, disrupting classes and the ability for students to learn,” Houston said. “Students have that visa. It’s a privilege to have that visa.” Earlier this year, NBC Bay Area reported on visas being revoked for bands and individuals who sing about drug cartels. That effort will continue. “Many of them being designated as foreign terrorist organizations, creating campaigns of terror across our hemisphere, destablizing our cities, our livelihoods, our communities” Houston said. “These individuals are being looked at right now.” Houston confirmed that the State Department is still working out details on a plan to examine visa applicants’ social media history – going back as much as five years as part of the elevated vetting process. “This is another tool that we are closing the information gap as far as what we know on those who are entering and exiting the United States,” Houston said. “Social media is another data point that we can use.” ...read more read less